Nikon D40 for astrophotography?

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physicsdud

I'm looking to get into astrophotography and would like a DSLR camera that is good for both planetary and deep sky imaging. I found a Nikon D40 that i can afford and wanted to know how well it would work.

Here is the camera:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-Kit-Case-4GB-USA_W0QQitemZ200379722968QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Cameras?hash=item2ea78fecd8&_trksid=p4999.c0.m14#ht_14233wt_1165

If this not a good camera i would appreciate any other suggestions for DSLR cameras.

Answer
Not too bad for entry level astrophotography. I don't think it's a good choice for deep space objects however. 6 mega-pixel is rather low, although its sensitivity isn't too bad. The main problem with your choice is limited lens selection and Nikons are a bit 'noisy' for long exposures. This camera is fine for the moon and planetary work, but I would think it a fair or poor selection for deep space.

Regardless of what you choose to go with, here are a few things that will be of use to you.

1. Cable release. For remote operation where you don't have to touch the camera to take a picture. Many of the rigs used for eyepiece projection photography are a little sensitive and shake for a few seconds under manual operation, sometimes requiring "self portrait mode".

2. AC power adapters. Batteries, even expensive lithium-ion, don't last real long. Again they are to be avoided as a primary power source for deep space, long time exposures. Not to mention they generate some heat which can cause some problems as well. You will find yourself taking pictures between delays, waiting for a cloud to pass etc. As a result you'll likely disable the "Auto-off" function. This requires AC power for a whole night shoot, as batteries may only last a few hours at best.

3. Large memory card. You don't want to have to remove cards often once everything is setup. In general you will want to avoid any manual handling of the camera once everything is set up.

4. How easy is it to navigate through all of the cameras menus and options? Again, you will be out in the dark, not a good time to fumble through menus. Some of the cameras have a wheel on the back that changes modes and functions. These are a little more user friendly.

5. Camera weight. If you are using a small 4 inch telescope, a 1.5 lb fully loaded camera can cause some weight balance problems. An 8 inch or larger telescope really eliminates that problem.

If you are new to astrophotography my best recommendation is to buy "Introduction to Astrophotography", by Robert Reeves. He has many years of experience and cuts through technical jargon very well. You will find no better written source of information.

p.s. I assume you are using a GOTO/Guided telescope? Long exposure photography is useless without a guided telescope. You can do short exposure planetary work without a guided telescope, but it isn't possible for deep space objects.

Who has a Nikon D40?

katwoman_2

I'm interested in buying a Nikon D40, which would be my first DSLR. Is there anyone who has bought a D40 who can give me the inside scoop on the pros and cons? I've looked at some online reviews but they're full of technical jargon that I don't really understand (yet). Thanks!!

Answer
Hi,
Im lecturer in Visual Communication, in my college v r using Nikon D40 camera to teach photography for our students, it can b used by both professional use and domestic use...

Pros

Excellent image quality, great resolution and detail, Eight megapixels ll b more useful to take crystal clear snaps.
Very compact and lightweight (especially with kit lens) yet still comfortable to use.
Kit lens is better quality than many others
Great in-use performance, very responsive, short black-out time, very fast media write
Manual and autofocus are available.
Auto-focus assist lamp rather than requiring flash to be raised.
Reliable, sophisticated, if sometimes a little conservative matrix metering system.
For a Pentamirror the viewfinder delivers a surprisingly bright image (Viewfinder is nothing bt where u see the images to take shots).
Extremely useful, customizable automatic sensitivity (ISO).
Easy to use playback / delete combination.
All playback functions available in record review
Very attractive and intuitive menu system(For settings and othr stuffs).
Unlimited continuous shooting in JPEG mode.
Good SD card throughput and USB 2.0 transfer speed (SD Card is kind of storage device to store ur pictures in the camera like floppy and CD, after u took pics u can remove and transfer the images to comp).
In-camera retouching features including D-Lighting and Red-eye reduction.
Support for SD and SDHC cards.
Good large LCD monitor with wide viewing angles.
Dedicated help button provides both shooting and in-menu assistance.
Programmable Fn(Function) hard button.
Value for money.

I dun find any cons in these camera for domestic use...

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Which is the best mega zoom point and shoot camera out there?

best nikon camera lens for sports image

Rick

I need a good mega zoom 10x or more optical zoom. I got nikon d40x but i can't bring that to sport venue only camera len that is under 3 inch.

Answer
Have a look at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ50. It's a very good little cam. Has enough zoom on it (not as much as a 15-20x superzoom like the DMC-FZ50, Sony Cybershot DSC-H50 or Olympus SP-570 UZ , but than again you can't bring the latter to a concert or sports event).

How do I take clear action photographs using a Nikon D3000 camera.?

Pando

I currently purchased a Nikon D3000 camera and I have gone through the user's manual and video to figure out the best way to take clear action shots and I have been unsuccessful. I have the 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens but not sure what are the best settings on the camera to help me get the clear pictures I want. The pictures that I am taking are at dusk and at night in a football stadium where my son plays football. I have tried making adjustments but with no luck. I am feeling very frustrated since I am new to using these types of cameras. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer
Sports photography - especially in the evening - is the most demanding of equipment. So realize you may not get the best shots with your gear.

As everyone has said, you have to bump up your ISO to get enough light in, and which will allow you to increase your shutter speed enough to prevent blur from movement of your subjects.

Start out in Shutter Priority mode (S on the top dial of the camera), and set the shutter speed to 1/500th to start - but don't be afraid to try slower speeds, down to say around 1/125. You may find though that you have to go to higher shutter speeds than 1/500th to get the least blur. Then crank up the ISO until the camera tells you that your exposure is OK.

Next, put the camera into AF-C focusing (AF-Continuous), and finally Spot Focus and Exposure.

This will result in a single spot in the screen (a little black box) that tells you where the current focus is. Try to keep that spot on your intended subject as they move around.

Then when you get ready to take the photo, depress the shutter half-way down and keep it there as you follow your subject. By leaving the shutter half-way depressed (and in AF-C mode) the camera will constantly keep focusing on your subject (the part in the little black box).

Then when you are ready to take the photo - without lifting your finger from the half-way down position, depress the shutter all the way down to take the photo.

Try that and see if you have any improvement. This is going to take some practice on your part, so do so before the game if you can. Have your son or other family members run around in a parking lot at dusk with the lot lights on (or find a place where the lighting will be similar), and try different settings and see which ones work.

You are going to find that shutter priority, around 1/500th of a second with a ISO high enough to get a good exposure is probably going to be the best.

But when bumping up the ISO, the photo quality deteriorates. You can also try a monopod, which will help stabilize the camera (many sports venues will not allow tripods).

Also, Adobe Lightroom has a good noise reduction filter, so you can fix some noise problems by using a high ISO in editing. There is a limit to this however.

And if you can afford it, purchase a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8. It is not cheap ($1.300) but a lot cheaper than the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 ($2,400). This lens will let in 4 times more light than your 55-200mm lens will, which still may not be enough, but it will help a lot.

Also if you can upgrade your camera, you can get more light in from the improved sensors. But I would upgrade the lens first as it will give you more performance for the dollar than the camera.

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How to prevent camera lens from getting foggy in a greenhouse?

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Q. So yesterday I had gone to a greenhouse to take some pictures. And my DSLR camera lens fogged up, therefore I can't take any pictures. What should I do?

Answer
It takes time for the equipment to acclimate to a climate change.

You could continue to wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth (in circles starting at the center) OR, let the camera sit in the greenhouse for 20-30 minutes before you use it.

For example, when I know I am doing a shoot outside in the winter, I put my equipment in the trunk of my car an hour or so before the shoot. That way it has time to acclimate from inside to outside. Of course I make sure to wipe down/ clean everything afterwards and it is stored with a lot of desiccant packs to absorb moisture.

How do you clean your DSLR camera?

Macky R.

I have a Sony a390 DSLR camera and my original lens that came with the camera is getting dust and other particles in it from switching to my zoom lens. I need to know how to clean it properly. I also want to know id there is a way you can clean the mirrors inside the actual camera when you have the lens off.

Answer
DO NOT touch the inside of your camera! Take it to a professional to get the inside cleaned. You can end up completely ruining your camera if you do it wrong yourself.

For the outside, I suggest you buy a camera cleaning kit. You can but them very cheap on ebay. It should tell you how to use it on the back of the pack too.

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How do you take completely clear pictures with a DSLR camera?

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writerinto

Whenever I take pictures, regardless of the settings and all, my pictures are always blurred in the background. What type of settings would allow me to take pictures that aren't blurred in the background? And/or, what type of camera lens would help me achieve completely clear pictures? Thank you!

Answer
Two things influence depth of field

* aperture
* length of lens

Smaller apertures like f/16 or f/22 increase apparent depth of field

Shorter lenses like wide angle ones create greater depth of field. Long lenses, telephoto, reduce the depth of field

What type of lens should I get with the Rebel T2i?

Q. I am thinking of getting the Rebel T2i but I am a complete beginner to dSLR cameras and wanted to know what lens I should start off with. The main purpose of my camera is going to be for pictures for my blog which mostly consists of close up shots of beauty products (Nail polishes, eye shadows, etc.) so the quality of macro shots and color accuracy is very important. Other than that I will use it for portraits, mostly during the night time. Any ideas?

Answer
Just start out with the kit 18-55 IS. The 18-55 is 1) a good lens to start out with 2) suprisingly good for macro photography.

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Found small white specs in backside of dslr camera lens?

dslr camera lens cleaner image

Aaron

I bought a dslr d3200 and after a few weeks of having I noticed the backside of the 18-55mm lens has specs inside of it. How in the world would that happen? Since ive put in the lens ive taken it out maybe once and always use the lens caps immediately to avoid dust getting anywhere at all. I dont notice anything within the photos, but seriously...why should I decide not to return the camera kit? I bought it brand new sealed from costco, is this common to find specs inside a lens? What are my chances if I return and re-buy that the new cameras lens would also have specs in it?

Answer
The kit lens breathes (inhales and exhales air) as you adjust focus and zoom. This will suck in dust as you adjust the lens. Many cheaper zoom lenses breathe. Dust on the inside lens elements will not be noticeable on your images. However, dust on your sensor will be clearly visible under certain conditions. Fortunately, the sensor cleaning mechanisms all manufacturers use these days are pretty effective at removing dust from the sensor.

Use a Giottos Rocket Blower to clear out the dust bunnies. The medium or large blower is recommended. The small size isn't as effective.

What should i look for when shopping for a DSLR camera?

zerodfgh

I am looking to replace my point and shoot camera with a DSLR camera. Does anyone have any suggestions to a camera for a beginner? What specs should i look for?

Answer
Any of the entry level DSLRs would keep you happy for a few years. I'd pick either Canon or Nikon. I have a LOT of contact with other photographers and time and time again it seems that either one of those are most likely to make their owners happy.

The most important part is to buy only the best lenses - camera bodies get upgraded, lenses stay with us.
You WILL regret buying cheap lenses.
Don't rush into buying lenses. Start with a kit lens, get to know your camera, that lens, and all photographic principles.
Through time and through use, you will eventually KNOW what other lenses you'll need/want.
The more time you'll take, the less likely you are to regret your choices.

If you know anyone close to you with a camera, consider borrowing lenses and "picking their brain" about their camera and whatever else they know.

Go to a store and hold a few cameras, see how they feel to YOU.

Do lots of research before you buy, and start learning about photography, too.

Keep in mind that buying a DSLR isn't cheap, even if you find a good deal for body and kit lens.

You'll also want and/or need a few other things such as tripod, filters, a bag, sensor cleaning gear, a second battery, memory cards, perhaps a remote shutter release etc.

That's just the small stuff - I can guarantee you that you'll also want more and more lenses.
You'll also want a decent flash some day.

See how that list just goes on and on?
Owning a DSLR isn't cheap - at least not until you have built up a nice stash of gear.

Just some food for thought........

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What is the best digital camera handheld setup for wildlife and sports photography?

best camera and lens for sports photography image

Cincy G

What is the best handheld portable setup for digital camera for telephoto wildlife and sports photography, without having to get a huge lens which requires tripod. I am guessing 70-200mm 2.8, and for extra reach add a 1.7 teleconverter? I am not sure what else I can do other than paying 6500 dollars for the next steup up which is 200-400mm. Using Nikon D80

Answer
At the wildlife photography contest in the Smithsonian I noticed a large percentage of photographers were using the Nikon D2x.

However, that was over a year ago. I suspect many have moved to the Nikon D3 or D3s by now. Both well regarded for build quality, low noise and a very responsive performance. No first hand knowledge though, unfortunately.

Regarding the lens, it seems that reach is important to you. Around 350mm based on your converter choice. I would not mess with a zoom for doing wildlife. I have a prime Nikon 300mm f/4D and it is outstanding. Amazing crisp contrast and excellent color fidelity.

What would be a good camera to for sports photography?

Kris

what are some cameras that would be good for sports photography? i was thinking about getting the nikon d40 but its kind of expensive, im saving up for a camera and trying my best to get a camera before summer is over

Answer
For sports photography your main goal is to be able to shoot fast so look for a camera with a fast shutter speed. Most SLR's will be fast enough. If you want to keep cost down try a film camera with the film at an ISO of 800. Also you may want to put your money in to a nice Lens. It'll probably cost you more then the camera but a good lens is priceless. Just remember you get what you pay for. Also a good flash works wonders.

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What lenses would be best to shoot video with?

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That One G

I love filming videos and such and may be starting a youtube channel soon. I have a Canon t2i, which I know isn't the greatest for video but I don't wanna splash out on the new t4i. I'd rather buy a new lens that would spike up the quality of the videos. It doesn't particularly have to be a Canon lens, it just obviously would have to fit my t2i. Right now I just have a kit lens so I've really been wanting to get a new one! Any help? Thanks a bunch if you can.

Answer
Since you did not tell us what sort of videos you like to shoot/edit, it is difficult to make a recommendation.

For example, if you want to capture things that are REALLY far away, then a zoom lens would be appropriate. Or, if you like to capture skate boarders to video, perhaps a fisheye lens would be appropriate. These lenses are very different from capturing fashion/makeup tutorials or zombie movies, but they could be used for other things...

Otherwise, the lens you currently use on your t2i is fine until you decide what you need - then get that lens.

Should I buy a Canon Lens or a comparable third party lens for my Canon EOS digital?

Christina

Does anyone with a Canon EOS digital camera use a third party telephoto lens?

If so:

1. Which lens do you use?
2. From which company did you buy it?
3. Do you like it?

I plan to use the lens for photographing events around my community (rodeo, softball, etc.). What I am trying to decide is whether to buy a Canon lens or a less expensive third party lens.

Answer
To answer your questions:

Yes, in addition to some canon lenses (100mm macro, 50mm 1.4) I use a non-canon lens for my primary walk around lens.

1. I have the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8.
2. I bought it from Amazon.com most likely. I generally either buy from Amazon or B&H Photo & Video.
3. I like the Tamron lens just fine. I bought it mainly as an upgrade to the kit lens that came with camera. Generally the kit lenses only top out at f4.0 or f5.0 for their widest aperture and that can be limiting if you want to do low light photography without flash. I found that to be the case and I wanted to upgrade to an all-purpose lens that was faster than that.

Unfortunately, some of the Canon lenses at f2.8 can be a bit spendy (but worth every penny I'm sure) so I settled in the middle ground with this Tamron lens which had a good reputation. I've been pleased with the results. While not comparable to "L" glass (but what mid-range lenses do?), it produces excellent images with good sharpness and color that unless you're a hard-core pixel peeper you'll have nothing to complain about.

For the purposes you're talking about, it would make a fine all purpose lens particularly if you have to take photos at indoor events without a separate flash unit.

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Where can I get my camera lens cleaned?

dslr camera lens cleaner image

Matt

I have a canon dslr and I noticed there is some dust on the inside of the lens. I bought the camera from bestbuy. Do I take the lens to bestbuy to get cleaned?

Answer
Hi Matt
Best Buy will do nothing for you or your camera. Try calling Canon's 1800 number. They will provide the name of an authorized Canon repair tech in your city. If the equipment is under warranty... you just might get a discount. Worth the try. Thanks for reading.

What features does the lens in a dSLR camera effect?

St Lo

I'm Looking to buy a dSLR camera and i was wondering what aspects does the lens affect and what aspects does the body effect. for example ISO, aperture and shutter speed.

Answer
The lens focuses the image. A better lens will produce a sharper, less-distorted images. A fast lens will allow you to shoot more easily in dim light. 1.4 or 2.8 are fast lenses. 4.5 or 5.6 are slow lenses.

The body contains the sensor. A good sensor records highlights and shadows well, and doesn't have a lot of noise or color problems.

The body contains the hardware and software for processing the information from the sensor and turning into an electronic image. Better software produces sharper, cleaner images with better color.

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What's the best digital camera that takes all around good photos and one that is good at concerts?

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Haley

I want to buy a new camera. And I want one that would fit my needs. And i also want one that isn't super expensive. I take a lot of photos of family and friends, and I go to a lot of concerts.
And as far as the concert part is concerned- I go to small venues in seattle which allows photos- and there is low lighting.
And as far as the concert part is concerned- I go to small venues in seattle which allows photos- and there is low lighting and lots of movement.

Answer
A good camera would be one that performs well at high iso's, has fast focusing, and a big imaging sensor. Pixel count is the big fad these days, but in practice, these does little or virtually nothing the final image quality. more megapixels on a smaller sensor= artifacts, color bleeding, more noise, etc. You can consider a slr camera, which provides superior performance compared to a compact- or if you prefer not lugging around a heavy camera+lens....you may consider cameras such as the sony H9, Canon G7, among others. I heard Panasonic makes pretty good compacts too.


excellent guide to buying and understanding cameras: http://www.videojug.com/interview/dslr-vs-point-and-shoot-digital-cameras

What D SLR camera is the best for a student studying photography?

FlowerChil

I'm thinking about a Canon or a Sony D SLR camera as I am familiar with the fuctions. I'm just confused about which one has better performance and technical aspects.

Answer
It's DSLR, no spaces. Digital Single Lens Reflex.

Canon or Nikon would be the best. There are no cameras that would be made for students, and you could've helped us more with the budget and things you'd like :)

Canon EOS T3, Nikon D3100 are great for the price ~$500 - $650.

Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/

None have better quality or any nonsense as that, it's more about you.

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What are some things to look for when buying a digital camera?

best overall camera lens image

Dani

I bought my first digital camera over a year ago. I didnt know anything about them so I just picked one because it had a rechargeable battery and that appealed to me. ....I hate that camera with a passion. It either takes really dark pictures or the flash is so blinding that unless you're a mile way from the thing you want to take a picture of, all you get is a washed out -white picture. I dont want to make this mistake twice.

What are some things I need to look for in order to get a good, high quality digital camera?

Answer
Forget about the pixels. The number of mega pixels has no bearing on the quality of the final picture, unless there are so few pixels for the print size that the printer/computer has to make the pixels bigger to 'spread out' and cover the area. If the largest size print you think you would ever make is an 8x10, then there isn't a camera on the market today that has 'too few pixels'. More megapixels simply means you can do more cropping and still have maximum quality at larger sizes. Pixels don't create the quality, they simply maintain it at larger sizes. Having 20 buckets of paint doesn't tell you anything else about the paint in the buckets. It simply tells you the amount, not the quality.

It's more important to look at overall quality. There are three major components that determine overall quality of a digital camera's pictures.
A) Lens
B) Sensor
C) Processor

These three parts of a camera are the most critical in maintaining the quality of an image from the time the light strikes the front lens element until it is safely stored as on your memory card.

We can go in depth if you'd like, but the easiest thing to do is look at brands that have good reputations; Nikon, Canon & Sony. These three manufacturers have the best overall ratings. To make any more specific of a recommendation, I would need to know more about what you want your camera to do. Your best bet for advice is a local specialty camera store. The largest chain of specialty camera stores is Ritz/Wolf Camera. They guarantee the lowest price for 30 days & you can speak to an associate who knows about cameras and who will take the time to help you decide which camera has the features you need. And their Performance Guarantee program is the best in the business. Where else can you bring in a camera that's been ruined by water damage, multiple times of five years, and get free repairs & replacements? Additionally, sometimes the picture problems you're describing are caused by the camera being in the wrong setting or mode when you take a picture. Ritz/Wolf gives you a free 9-week training course when you buy a camera from them. That will allow you to use your camera to its full function, and maybe eliminate many camera problems and get the most out of your equipment.

Speaking face to face with an expert is your best bet, but if you'd like to tell me more about what you want your camera to do, I can recommend a camera to look at first.

What is the best Sony camera with the nightshot feature in your opinion?

Indigohipp

I wanna know of all the Sony Handycam Camcorders with the nightshot feature, which one is overall the best in your experience? Which one has the best focus/image quality/performance? Right now I have a DCR-SR45 and it has good nightvision, but it has autofocus problems and the image quality is a little grainy so I'm thinking about upgrading. I only use it in the dark so I just need to know how they perform with Nightshot on.

Answer
Currently, the HVR-A1. It is the pro-grade sibling to the consumer grade HDR-HC1 (which I have).

Low light and auto-focus do not get along because when the light is not sufficient (which is why you are using the infrared emitter), the auto focus cannot decide what to focus on. The HC1/A1 has a ring on the lens barrel that can be used as a manual focus ring so you do not need to rely on the auto-focus mechanism.

As well, that graininess is all about low light video capture. You may get a little less graininess from the A1/HC1 because it has a larger lens and imaging chip than the SR45. If you want to eliminate that graininess, then you need to move to lenses that are 70mm lens filter diameter or larger which places you in the $3,000+ camcorder range - and most of them do not have a built-in infrared emitter (hence, no NightShot mode), have an IR filter installed inside the camcorder and adding an external IR device won't get what you want in zero light.

Yes, I know - the A1/HC1 camcorders are a lot more expensive than the entry level SR45... but you asked for "best".

The HDR-HC9, HDR-CX500 series, HDR-XR500 series all have NightShot. You can confirm this at the Sony.com website in the Camcorder section. In the camcorder's specs, look in the "convenience features" for S-NS or something similar - this is "Super NightShot". I think the feature has been dropped from the "standard definition only" camcorders.

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Where could i learn photography interactive online classes?

dslr camera lenses guide image

Q. Did you come across any sites/groups/clubs that teach you to use a DSLR camera? I want to learn techniques. A good camera guide is what i need.
thanks!!

Answer
I love photo.net personally. you can view other peoples pictures and see what kind of camera they used and lenses they used. its free.
also I think online tutorials can only take you so far. take a class in college and be around other photographers and see what they do.

What are diff. elements you look for in a professional camera, and what do they do?

shimmering

I'm mainly looking for a cheap but good camera..willing to spend up to $600 or $700 used. Will buy new if it's worth it up to $1000. I want a camera that blurs the background but what do u look for in a camera like a canon or nikon or whatever?

Answer
If you're looking for a camera that blurs the background, you'll have to look at the specs of the lens rather than the camera. Lenses with large apertures such as f/1.4 have the ability to blur the background.

With less than $1000, you can get yourself a Canon XS+ 18-55mm lens kit, and buy a Canon 50mm f/1.8 seperately.

Here's more on buying lenses: http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Guides/lens_buying_guide_01.htm

Here's more on DSLRs: http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Guides/dslr_buying_guide_01.htm

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Looking to upgrade from Canon Digital Rebel kit lens?

best general purpose camera lens image

Simmy

I'm looking for a general purpose lens. I don't need any extreme macro or zoom. I mostly photograph people, some landscapes, nature, etc. So far, I'm drawn to the Canon EF 28-135mm. What are your thoughts? Are there other lenses that would fit my needs more? I'm wanting to upgrade because I heard that I could get significantly better quality and clarity by using pretty much anything besides the kit lens. I'm on a budget, so as it is, the Canon EF-28-135 is at the top of my price range.

Answer
I am not sure where you got your information from, but no professional or amateur who's experienced enough to know what they're talking about lwould ever tell you that the normal lens that comes with your camera is of poorer quality than any of the other Canon camera lens, all other camera handling factors being equal.
Having said that, the 28 135 mm lens is a good choice, and great for taking pictures of people, because it goes from approximately what is considered a normal lens on your camera to about a three power telephoto. If you're taking scenery, however, the wide-angle end of this lens is not very good for scenery pictures where a good wide-angle range is a very nice thing to have.
My advice to you at this minute is before you go out and spend additional bucks for a different lens, practice using the lens you have and using it appropriately with your camera and see what the results from this lens can really give you if you handle everything else properly..
I think you might be pleasantly surprised as to the results you can get.

When buying a professional camera what am i looking for?

Mr.Spock

What should my camera have? Lost of the stuff they tell you about for the camera in the stores dosent even matter much. I know i need to look at megapixels optical or digital zoom ( forgot what one of those isnt important) ETC.

What else?
Also there are slr lenses and another one that is a zoom lense for all purposes so that you dont need to buy different lenses, whats it called and is it better? (i just want a camera for general purposes, long distance shot are important though.

Answer
The camera is only as professional as the person using it. A famous LA professional fashion photographer (can't remember his name, at this moment) used disposable camera for one or several shoots for a magazine. With that said, you can get a DSLR camera with a good telephoto lens however, that would be a costly equipment for your intention. Unless of course, you plan to do a lot more with it - like make money (which will make you then a professional). For what you need you might want to check this camera:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Digital_Point_Shoot/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0744849

This has a great zoom (has an equivalent of of a 35 mm dslr camera zoom of 430 mm) = 12x. It also has a lot of features and one of the best lens (LEICA). Be ware of cheaper price like from 86th Street Photo, you might get your camera even after paying them. Dell is reputable.

Don't know your budget, but if the Panasonic ($470) is too much then you can check this Kodak:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A1144293&cs=19&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=30322&lid=680414

This camera has a great zoom lens, too.

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Why can't I find a protective lens cover for Canon SX40 hs?

best buy camera lens hood image

VLG

I'm planning on buying a canon sx40 hs and I've found everything (small waterproof bag and plastic protection for the display screen ) but I can't seem to find a proper protective lens cover... only a lens hood that seems to only protect the edges but not the middle... do you know whether it has an in-built protection or whether it comes with it or something?
thank you!

Answer
You have a P&S camera and most of them do NOT have filter threads for attaching polarizing or UV filters.

Here is a link to Canon that lists the optional accessories for your camera

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx40_hs#SuppliesAndAccessories

What size filter / lens hood should I use for my Sony a200 with the 18-70 kit lens?

Rachel H

I bought a second-hand Sony a200 at ebay USA (I'm here in Asia) and forgot about purchasing lens hood. Now, I plan to buy a generic lens hood (and even a body cap and some filters) but don't know which size is right. Please help?

It is to be used with the kitlens (18-70 mm) that came with the camera.
Thanks.

Answer
Have you looked at the business end of the lens - the front. You'll see white writing around the ring.
At one place it'll read 52mm or 58mm or 62mm and that will be the size required.

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What are the different camera lenses and what do they do?

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mommy2both

I think I am going to get the Cannon EOS 1000D (rebel XS). This will be my first DSLR camera. But Im not sure how many different lenses there are, what they are called, and what they all do.

Answer
There are well over 100 different lenses Canon makes for the XSi, and that doesn't even include lenses made by other companies.

Theses lenses can be broken down into four basic categories:

WIDE ANGLE: The human eye sees the same as roughly a 50mm lens. Wide angle lenses have focal lengths of less than 50mm. This means that looking through one of these lenses you'll see more than the human eye. These are good for landscapes, architecture and pictures of groups of people.

NORMAL: These lenses have focal lengths roughly in the 50-100mm range. They see approximately what the eye sees so they're good for subjects where proper perspective is essential. These lenses are good for portraits.

TELEPHOTO: These lenses have a focal length of over 100mm. They have "zoom". In other words, a bird far away will look closer.

SPECIALTY: These are lenses like fish-eye and macro.

Once you've categorized them by focal length, the differences come down to build quality, price, sharpness of the optics, and how well they perform in low light.

For a beginner like yourself, the 18-55mm kit lens will probably be fine. If you have the money you may also want to add a decent telephoto like the 70-300mm ($600). You may also want to pick up the 50mm f/1.8 for $100 as it does well in low light and will give you lots of background blur.

what is the best dslr camera and lens for an amateur photographer?

couthiewoo

I am seriously thinking about investing in a new DSLR camera. The problem is...there are just so many out there. I've been reading review after review, but I can't seem to find a standout.

My question is this: what is the best DSLR camera out there for ametuers? Keeping in mind, I am a beginner and will need to learn how to use the bad boy, but I don't want that to handicap my camera choice.

Any thoughts?

Answer
I personally prefer Nikon (strictly for DSLRs).

The Nikon D40 is a great camera, and I would recommend that if you get a Nikon, put the money you save by getting the D40 towards getting extra lenses or maybe a Nikon Speedlight like the SB-400.

The Nikon D40 is a great camera, try it out at a store, and see if you like it. It is also the least expensive of the Nikons, but about the same in terms of what it offers.

Last of all, try http://cnet.com - they have great reviews on every camera imaginable. http://dpreview.com is another great site for that. Check them both out!

You can get the D40 with an excellent kit lens from Amazon for about $450.00

Any other questions, feel free to send me a message.

zlh.

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what do you think of CANON EOS 500D + lens 18-135 IS camera?

best canon lens 500d image

WAW

I am planning to buy a new digital camera and I am confused about what to buy, I would like to make nice photos. I was thinking CANON EOS 500D + lens 18-135 IS by the price of 1,085.50 USD, is there better than that camera at similar price?

Thank you in advance.

Answer
There is a better choice of lens; the EF-S 18-200 mm IS

There is a better choice of camera, the D3100 with AF-S18-200 mm VR lens. The D3100 while it costs about the same as the 500D, is the only entry level camera with Full HD video (1080p) that can auto-focus in the video mode

Do some research by visiting the Nikon and Canon websites. With that information, you can decide which camera system is best for you

Take your time. Once you choose the Nikon or Canon system, you will be married to it for a few decades.

What's the difference between canon EOS 500d to 500d kit?

Aira Forsy

What's the difference between canon EOS 500d to 500d kit??

Answer
A Canon 500D refers to just the camera itself, without a lens.

A kit includes the Canon 500D, one or more lenses, and maybe other accessories as well.

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what the differences between dslr camera and lens camera?

best dslr camera lens image

AHMAD M

i am amateur in photography but i'm like to take photos. To satisfy my hobby i'm going to camera shop to buy more quality camera then i see dslr and lens camera. I know dslr camera but lens camera quite interesting with it specification and price, the problem is i'm zero in lens camera. which one would you suggest to me?

Answer
What is a lens camera?? All cameras have a lens. DSLR stands for digital single lens reflex.

Where can I find an online tutorial or instructions for the AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D camera lens?

mich

Does anyone know where I can find some "how to's" for my new 50mm DSLR camera lens?
I'd like to know how to use the lens aperture ring. So far, the camera will only let me take a picture if it's locked at the minimum aperature.

Answer
You're probably using a digital SLR. When you lock the aperture ring at the minimum aperture (as you've already done) you can set the aperture with the scroll wheel on the camera body in both Aperture priority mode and Manual mode.

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How to take a nice photo of myself?

best camera lens mug image

Starr C

Whenever i try to take a good picture of myself, i always look bad! Like a mug shot, or i'm drunk or something. What are the most flattering angles? How should i pose? Mainly,how can i get a decent photo? Thanks!

Answer
The most flattering angle for most people is about 45 degrees. You know, half way between looking at the camera straight on and looking directly perpendicular to where the camera is facing.
Lighting has a lot to do with how photos come out. If you look like you're drunk in a mug shot, the light is probably too harsh. Try soft lighting with no flash or a lens filter. Don't pose, just be natural.

where to buy a camera lens mugs in the Philippines?

Shan11n

And how much they cause? Please. details.

Answer
I found some in Landmark a few weeks back. They cost around P300-P500.

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