What is the ideal lens for shooting weddings?

best nikon camera and lens image

michaelyou

I have Nikon cameras, so lens needs to be compatible.

Answer
APS-C or FF?

If you are doing FF then the 24-70mm f/2.8 is a minimum must have lens. You probably want to add a 85mm f/1.8 and a 70-200mm f/2.8 at some point.

If you are shooting APS-C then you will want to look into the NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8 and a AF-S 50mm f/1.4.

Will the lens of an old nikon camera work on one of the new digital cameras?

Larry H

I have a nikon 8008s camera with three lens for it. If I buy a new nikon digital camera will these lens work on the new camera?

Answer
Lenses for an F801/8008 would all be Ai or AF/AF-D. They would almost certainly NOT be AF-I/AF-S (the F801/8008 can't operate the autofocus motor in AF-I/AF-S lenses). They would mount on any Nikon digital body.

The two gotchas would be:

1. Ai lenses (except for the fairly uncommon Ai-P lenses which are actually AF-D lenses without autofocus) would get no metering on anything except the D1/2/3 or D200/300/700.

2. AF/AF-D lenses would not autofocus on a D40/D40x/D60

Another important thing to note: Except on a D3/D700 all your film lenses will behave like longer lenses on digital bodies, due to the 1.5x crop factor of the smaller sensor.

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What is the best compact camera out there for macro use only?

best compact camera lens quality image

Caron LS

In the Ophthalmology field and need a compact camera to take close up pictures of eyes. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Answer
Most digital cameras have a macro setting, but will check this one out just to make sure.
Focusing Range
Normal: 1.5 ft./45cm-infinity
Macro: 2.0 in.-1.5 ft./5-45cm (W), 12 in.-1.5 ft./30-45cm (T)

Just saw this camera at Best Buy and think it is a great camera and a best buy. It has an optical viewfinder, image stabilizer, auto focus, and uses NiMH rechargeable batteries. Read as much of the following as you can for other information and help with choosing a camera.
Canon A590IS $129.99 at Staples yesterday.
http://bountii.com/deal-1523871-canon-powershot-8-0-megapixel.html ...

There is no one particular place to get great buys, but you may see something above that really helps you find the best buy. Click on the link in the information above for an example then search for your camera of choice at the upper left. Camera prices at this link change often.

In new cameras, look for a viewfinder (LCD invisible in bright sun), image stabilizer, and check battery prices. High mega pixel settings take longer to process and may not be needed unless required for very large pictures. Maximum print size for a 3 mega pixel setting is 8 x 10 inches. Click links below for more details.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=398&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=2039 ...
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm ...

While most of the cameras out there are really good, I would choose Canon over Nikon because it seems like more camera for the money. Some would say Canon withholds their best technology for high end cameras and Nikon implements their best at all levels. Before you decide, read all the text and links in the information below because it will help you know what to look for in a camera.

CAUTION Do not overcharge! Batteries can be damaged. Use an automatic two or more hour Energizer Compact smart charger with temperature monitor, trickle charge technology, and safety timer ($9.76) at Walmart. Use pre-charged 2000mAh Duracell ($12.97) or RayOVac ($5.97) batteries and a full cycle charge (holds charge one year). To preserve battery charge, use the viewfinder.

There are so many cameras out there it is difficult to say which is best, but digital is definitely the way to go. The second source link will be very helpful as it list most of the cameras out there with prices. The following information should help you know what to look for in a camera.

What gives a camera its picture quality?
The short answer is that it is mostly the skill of the photographer that produces high quality pictures. The lens and camera are very important, but the ability to set the scene, adjust the cameras settings, and hold the camera very still or use a tripod with auto or remote shutter actuation when required is what gets the great pictures.

Lots of great camera tips in these two links. http://www.danscamera.com/Learning/going_digital/#resolution ...
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=38/10468/6368/333&pq-locale=en_US ...

The information about my camera is just to show that you don't need the biggest and best. Just know how to use the one you have.

My camera has 5.2 mega pixel, but I use 3 most of the time because it gives great results, is faster, and takes less memory. Also, it only has a 3 x optical zoom and 7 x digital zoom. I never use the digital zoom because making pictures larger works better on the computer. This is an old camera, but everyone is impressed with the quality pictures it takes ... like magic.

Check with the Geeks in several stores and compare prices. Ask what cameras they own, but don't believe everything you hear. Once you select a camera read all about it in the owner's manual. Just learned that my camera has red-eye prevention and correction. It also has adaptive lighting. You may be able to view owners manuals at this link, but will need to Login. http://www.retrevo.com/s/digital+camera ...

The source links will show most of the cameras out there with prices and help make digital cameras work better with complete instructions on cleaning camera and battery electrical contacts.

Source:
http://www.google.com/base/a/4210404/D13701973093918363271
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/ ...
http://dpreview.com/ ...

What is the best compact digital camera to use at live music concerts and gigs?

Adham

Hello,

Looking for help with a decision on purchasing a new compact camera.

I'm a rock concert promoter / organizer and avid live music fan and am always keen to try and capture great moments at different shows. Even though the live band shots are my main priority, I also want an everyday camera that can fit into my jeans or jacket pocket for other occasions, hence the compact requirement.

My photography skill level is between beginner and intermediate. I am always finding tips on taking good shots and have tried to applied them. This has led me to gain little experience dealing with manual options on cameras, but always trying to change settings to try to get the best picture I can.

The main requirement I have in a camera is to be able to take good quality shots of live rock bands from two perspectives:
a) From within the crowd at a large festival
b) Right by the band in a small bar / pub

Other Requirements are fairly basic:
1. Image Stabilizer - Considering how difficult it is to keep my hands steady while in a crowd of thousands.
2. Optical Zoom of 5x, 6x, or higher - To be able to get as reasonably close a shot as I can.
3. Minimum Mega Pixels = 8MP - For Quality Purposes.
4. Decent Shot to Shot Time - To quickly take shots continuously
5. Decent Battery Life - As I will be away for long periods of time from an outlet to recharge. If necessary of course.

Now I am aware of the difficulties of taking shots of live bands as I have been doing so with compact cameras for a while now; mainly issues with lighting. Also aware of the limited capabilities with compact cameras. However, most of the photos are for personal use rather than professional. Still, it would be great to be able to have high end shots close to, if possible, professional level.

I've been doing research for a while and keep coming back to the Canon PowerShot A720 IS as a prime candidate. But some reviews mention that it is poor in low light scenarios (does this apply to nighttime outdoor festivals?) and has a slow Shot-to-Shot time. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100 is my second choice at the moment. The Canon G9 seems like a good choice but Iâm anxious that the price of the camera is beyond my skill level.

Any help or tips are much appreciated. Hope to make a final decision soon as I am set travel in a few days.

Thanks.

Answer
Canon G9 is by far the best compact camera among photography enthusiasts, so if you can afford it, go for it. Otherwise I'll recommend the Panasonic DMC-FZ28K, which is coming out this fall. It offers 10 megapixels of resolution, high quality lens, and a 18x zoom, perfect for getting in close when your not. Of course, compact cameras cant really compare to slrs in terms of image quality, so get one when your budget and skill level allows for it.

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What is the difference between mirrorless and EVIL cameras?

dslr camera lens terminology image

Hannah

Does mirrorless just mean NOT an SLR? Are all compact cameras mirrorless cameras? Is an EVIL camera just a little Friday night point-and-shoot digicam that you can stick big lenses on? Am I even using any of this terminology correctly? *sigh* So much to learn!

Answer
All of these terms are a bit vague.

EVIL means Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens
MILC means Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

And a newer term, Compact System Camera is also sometimes used.

Collectively these terms generally identify the cameras like the Sony NEX, Micro Four/Thirds cameras, and Nikon's 1 cameras. Generally anything between compact cameras and DSLRs.

I suppose that these cameras should be called bridge cameras, as that is in line with the original intent of the "bridge" idea. But the term bridge has been kidnapped by all of those low end run-of-the-mill compact cameras that have had huge zoom lenses slapped on the front of them.

There is some redundancy I suppose between the terms, as in the case of Nikon, the J1 does not have an electronic viewfinder, only a screen, so I suppose it would be a MILC. But then the Nikon V1 has an electronic viewfinder, so it could be a EVIL or a MILC.

And some micro Four/Thirds have an attachable electronic viewfinder, so are they MILC when the viewfinder is off, but a EVIL when the electronic viewfinder is attached?

And don't even get started with semi-transparent mirror cameras...

I suppose this is why the term "Compact System Cameras" is gaining popularity, as it is generic enough to be applicable to all of these cameras.

What is a good camera with these requirements?

Asher

I am an amature (as in, for fun) photographer with really no idea what all the effects are. What I know I want is:

-Fast photo taking
-Good zoom in/out
-Compact, flat camera. (I have this dream of one of those compact flat pink ones)

Do you guys have any suggestions? Websites? Terminology?

Thanks!

Answer
Check the cameras on Amazon.com. Be sure you get one that has a rechargeable battery and comes with the charger. Otherwise it will go through AAs like they're going out of style. What you are looking for will have one lens permanently attached to the camera so try to get one that has the highest zoom rating, like 4x, 7x, or 10x. The higher the rating the further away objects can be zoomed in on. A camera with settings that you can control is good also. Stick with Canon or Nikon. They all use memory cards to store the pictures: either compact flash or SD. The more bytes it has the more pictures it will hold. I have a Nikon DSLR with an 8GB sd card. It will hold 2,000 poster size pictures. I'm sure that the camera you want won't take a card with that capacity but get the largest one you can. That way you can shoot away without worrying about running out of room. The cards are eraseable also. Go to Flickr.com to their camera finder and it will tell you which are the most popular cameras on the site and also which are the best. The camera you are looking for is called a Point and Shoot. Sorry to be so long winded. Best of luck. Join Flickr. It's free and amazing. One more thing. You want image stabilization (IS) or vibration reduction (VR). They are the same thing.

He knows that Canon and Nikon are the best. Don't get too caught up in the mega pixel (MP) thing. It's more about your lens and settings. A 12 MP camera will rarely shoot in that high of a resolution.

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What is the difference betwen a Wide-angle lens converter and just a wide-angle lens?

best canon lens wide angle image

cross045

I have a Canon Rebel XT camera and i wanted to get a wide angle lens, i was just wondering what is the difference between the converter and the full wide-angle lens? Ive seen the wide-angle lenses but it seems like there so exspensive... Is there a difference in quality on a converter? And is it better to get a converter lens or the actual full lens? Maybe some good sites to buy these lenses??

Answer
A wide angle lens replaces (temporarily) your standard lens, while a wide angle lens converter screws onto the front of your existing lens (it requires that you get the right one based on the filter thread at the front of your lens).

If it were that simple we'd all be using wide angle converters and there would be no market for wide angle lenses, however there is, so why? Well, the reason is very simple, every wide angle converter I've seen causes horrendous chromatic aberration. That's to say that the colours of light are not focused properly and so especially at the extremes of the image and at edges within the photo you can see the colours separating. You can use this to artistic effect, but with little control, it's more often just plain annoying and makes your photos valueless!

Even the best wide angle lens is going to display some chromatic aberration, but far far far less than a wide angle converter will.

Any way to add more of a fish eye/distorted look to wide angle lens?

Ryan H.

I bought a Canon 35mm wide angle lens. I took a couple shots, and the pictures look like they were taken with a regular lens. I was expecting more of a fish eye/warped perspective look. Is there an accessory I can put on top of the lens to add to the wide angle look?
I have a Canon EOS Rebel XS.

Answer
It depends what type of camera you have. If it has an APS-C sized sensor, a 35mm won't be wide angle - it'll be closer to a normal lens. On an APS-C sized sensor, a fish-eye might be 10mm or less.

EDIT > yes, your rebel XS has an APS-C sized sensor.

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Where can i win a free canon or nikon camera?

dslr camera lenses in india image

king

I am a photography freak but dont have much budget to buy a new DSLR. Can some one please suggest me a website or something where I can have a DSLR for free? For location preferences, I live in India.

Answer
Hi King..

There are many contests which offer SLR Camera as prizes.. You need to keep searching for them and might hit the jackpot!

The one that is going on now is from Nikon (Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011). They are offering different cameras ranging from Nikon D3S digital-SLR camera (costing Rs 2.9 lac) to D5000 (Rs 50K). There are 53 cameras to be won and just not that, you will have Lenses, Speedlight and other accessories along with this. Indians are open to participate.

Link: http://www.nikon.com/about/news/2010/0630_npci2010_01.htm

Some tips to win:
# Do check the previous years winners list and you can get an idea of the kind of photos that get selected for finals
# Comply strictly by the rules (format, image size, categories etc.)
# Check the list of judges, google their name and go to their websites, see what kind of photos they like to shoot..

Do keep in mind.. if you are opting to win a prize, don't go by the notion of what photo of yours you like most.. but see and enter only those photos which may win you a camera.

Last year, a young boy from Mumbai won a high end DSLR from Canon in a street photography contest. He didn't even own a camera, he had hired one for a day from a local store for the contest.. took pictures, submitted them and he became a Lucky winner!! The article about him came in Better Photography Magazine.

So, there's all hope!!

All the best!!


EDIT: Here's one contest for Canon EOS 7D digital SLR camera to be won. Follow the link for details:
http://www.facebook.com/BLphotography?v=app_4949752878#!/notes/burrard-lucas-photography/facebook-photo-contest/373635727522


.

How to become wildlife photographer ?

Haren

I have general knowledge of wildlife photography as my hobby (not professional purpose). Professionally I am a software programmer. Also I am not graduate in any subject. I have a strong interest to become a professional wildlife photographer. how can I proceed, I am from India. and what type of camera is good for professional wildlife photography ?

Answer
Any camera that performs well in low light and uses interchangeable lenses will work fine

The major cost is going to be the long lenses and the time you have to sit patiently in the blind until the animals show up.

Most people who shoot wildlife as part of their career in photography, use a cropped sensor dSLR to add reach without spending too much money.

The shortest lens you will need is a 300 mm and those can cost up to $6,000, but if you shoot midday, you can get a nice 70-300 mm zoom, under $600.

To find cameras that perform well under low light (high ISO), you will want to spend some time on this website.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Camera-Sensor-Ratings

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Need help with a good beginner dslr camera?

how dslr camera lenses work image

Anthony R

I own a canon point and shoot and I would like to get a dslr that can produce better quality. What are some good entry-level dslr cameras? What about lenses? Any information or tips for a beginner?

Answer
Stick with Canon. They produce excellent quality cameras. And you are familiar working with them.

Look into the:

- Canon XS
- Canon XSi
- Canon T1i
- Canon 7D

Depending on your budget...

The 1st two are entry - intermed. level offerings. The next two are more intermediate (as is the Canon 50D).

What are all these FF55 - 200 stuff on the DSLR camera lenses?

Michael

I'm getting a DSLR camera for Christmas and I don't know what all these funky letters and numbers mean.

Thanks in advance!

Answer
Labels, Numbers, They stand for different things.

If you just bought a DSLR you can go to the brand DSLR website and find information about such.

55-200 means that the lens has a 55-200mm focal range. Your kitlens has 18-55, in effect from a group shot to a relative thigh shot. And the 55-200mm is a lens in the tele range meaning it can pull closer for instance a bird in the trees.

Ah you can even see it in effect if you move one of the ribbed rings on the lens you see it extend a bit. Now look through the viewfinder and do it again. Hey wasn't that easy!

The other ring is for focussing, it allows you to manual focus if for instance the automatic focus doesn't cuts it [dark outside or something in the way]

What the other things mean..well that depends on brand and lens brand.

I agree with the others best is to buy a book into the basics of DSLR and read it, keep it with you and most important MAKE ALLOT OF PICTURES. The only way you can learn is through experience! And that means actual doing it.

DSLR's are great tools, but at the same time they are tools, it is the person behind the camera that makes the magic happen. Yes it offers auto modes but one of the nicest thing about the DSLR is control. You get the shot as you desire!

So buy a simple starters guide for your specific model [for instance if you own a Nikon 3100 buy a book that with pictures and easy words tell you what the buttons are for and what does what]

Then buy a book about different types of photography and well again with nice pictures inside so you can see what they mean.

Photography is an art, it is something you can almost touch, taste, feel.. but also it is a technical thing.

So just buy some basic books and actually make pictures. Learn the way get hooked on it.

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What lens fits the Pentax K-x?

d5000 dslr camera with 18-55mm lens - black image

Vernan

and which camera has the widest available lenses:
Sony Alpha A380
Olympus E-620
Pentax K-x.

Thanks!
I have decided for the D5000 but now I am considering other options because of price...But I know I have to look on the system and its future.

Answer
The Pentax K-x uses the "K" lens mount first introduced in 1975 so any "K" mount lens ever made can be used on the K-x. If its an auto focus lens from circa 1988 it will auto focus on the K-x as it should.

The Pentax K-x was chosen as the 2010 "Best DSLR Entry Level" by the 'Technical Image Press Association'.

Here is a review of the K-x:
http://www.shutterbug.net/equipmentreviews/amateur_digital_slrs/0510pentax/index.html

In my opinion a comparison of the Pentax K-x and the Nikon D5000 finds the D5000 lacking. The Pentax K-x has:

1) A CMOS sensor.

2) Live View.

3) HD Video.

4) Double/multiple exposure capability of from 2 to 9 pictures on a singlr frame with Auto EV Compensation.

5) A focusing motor in the camera body.

6) Image Stabilization in the camera body so any lens used becomes, in effect, an IS lens.

The Nikon D5000 has features 1, 2 & 3 but NOT 4, 5 & 6. If you want auto focus with the D5000 you must buy Nikon's AF-I or AF-S lenses. If you want IS (VR in nikonspeak) you have a limited number of Nikon lenses with that technology. In both cases you pay again and again for features found in the camera body of the K-x.

Current prices w/18-55mm lens from http://www.bhphotovideo.com

Pentax K-x, $499.79

Nikon D5000, $699.95 after a $50.00 Instant Savings from B&H. Offer ends 9-18-2010.

If you're bored with black cameras, the Pentax K-x also comes in colors.
http://www.pentaximaging.com/slr

The Sony A380 can use all the legacy Minolta Maxxum AF lenses dating back to 1985 and they will auto focus as they should.

Which Camera should I get?

allykat_42

I currently have a Nikon d5000 which I love but I need an extra camera as well and not looking for something too extravagant so I have picked out a couple cameras that I like the price for what seems good quality and I need to know which one would be better to get out of these:

1) Nikon - Coolpix L810 16.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
2)Sony - Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V 18.2-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
3)Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2MP DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens

Those are the three I found that I thought were decent. Any decent respectable honest opinions appreciated please. Thank you.

Answer
Why on earth would you buy a Canon DSLR when you have a Nikon? That would be a terrible idea.

Consider buying another D5000 or a D3000 - used, of course.

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What to look for when buying a used Canon 300d?

best canon lens 35mm image

ceciliasuz

I am planning on buying a used Canon 300d, for 300 bucks!
It includes:
its case
A Battery Grip
Two battery's
a Filter
A Remote Control
A connection to connect to your computer
And an extra lens (35mm-80mm)

So my question is; should i buy it, is that a good offer? And what details shoould i look for?

Answer
I think you are getting basically everything that comes with the camera when bought new and in fact a few extras like the 2nd battery and a filter.

For $300, it seems to be an ok deal, but for not much more you can have a newer model Canon DSLR with more megapixels. The 300D is 6MP and the first generation Canon Rebel Digital, the Canon Digital Rebel XTi listed in the link below is 10MP and the 3rd generation Canon Digital Rebel. Adorama is a reputable photo dealer

Here is a link to check out:
http://www.adorama.com/ICADRXTIKR.html

Are there any Canon 35mm film cameras that are compatible with EF-S lenses?

Joel S

I am looking to buy a Canon 35mm film camera having never bought one before.

I know for a fact that several cameras are compatible with the EF lenses - of which I own the 50mm f/1.8.

However, I also have the EF-S 18-55mm and the 50-250mm, and would like to use them on the film camera itself.

Thanks in advance.

Answer
Unfortunately, the EF-s lenses cannot be used safely on the 35mm film or full-frame digital cameras. The back of the EF-s lenses extends too far into the mirror box and will damage the mirror. Your EF 50mm f/1.8 however, is a standard EF rather than EF-s lens and will work on both a Canon EOS 35mm film camera and any digital EOS digital camera like yours.

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How do you clean your DSLR camera?

dslr camera lens cleaning kit image

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.

Found small white specs in backside of dslr camera lens?

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.

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What is the best zoom Lens for canon camera?

best lens canon xs image

Nic

I have a canon xs and the Lens it came with is fine for close ups but it can not take pictures from far away because the Zoom is terrible. I need some suggestions for a lens that is under 900 that can help me.

Answer
Under $900 I'd probably go for the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 DG Macro HSM II lens. It runs $700. Extremely sharp lens, comparable with the Canon 70-200 f/4L. Great zoom. Low light ability with a fixed f/ of 2.8 makes a HUGE difference.
I shy away from the Canon 70-200 f/4L for one reason only. Most lenses are at their sharpest roughly 2 stops above wide open. Which puts the f/4 lens at f/8 to be it's sharpest. That requires a LOT of light. F/4 isn't really useable without flash inside with your camera without adding flash.
The f/2.8 lens puts you at f/5.6 for it's sharpest. Using it at f/2.8 you will be able to use it indoors in a lot of situations with your camera without flash.
Otherwise? Canon is a superb lens. If low light ability isn't a concern for you (school sports, indoor work,etc) it's worth every penny.

What do you think would be a great lens for my canon XS of taking pictues for people out on the street?

myteethsmi

I want to start taking pictures of street life... people walking ... people sitting...people out and about... what lens for my canon XS do you think would be good for the job?

Thanks

Jake
also something that is not going to break me....

Im talking like maybe 300 dollars max...

Answer
The Sigma 70 - 200mm EX APO f2.8. Great lens, most pro's have one.

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/lenses/telezoom/70-200mm.htm

Focuses closer than any other manufacturer making it a near Macro lens, rear focusing so it focuses in the blink of an eye. Superb image quality.

Chris

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What kind of Canon lens should I get for the work that I do?

best canon lens for weddings image

Joyelle W

I have the Rebel 300d and the 20d (and of course the lenses that came with the camera). I have the 50mm 1.4 ap but I need something with a zoom because I shoot portraits and weddings and just sometimes need to chase that child with my zoom instead of my legs because I do alot of outdoor shoots where I let the kids run around. I use my 50mm for studio pics and that works great. I LOVE the 1.4 ap although sometimes have problems with depth of field blur. I just would love a lens that isnt TOO expensive (<$500) but still has the low aperture. THANKS!
and I would only need the zoom to reach about 100 feet or so

Answer
Another person stated that 50 mm is not a good portrait lens. I think she may have not realized that Digital Rebel & 20 D is not a full frame DSLR, and with a 1.6 x crop factor, a 50 mm lens is equal to 80 mm.

To answer your question, if you are limited on what you would like to pay for a new lens, the 28-105 mm f 3.5-4.5 II USM should be very usable.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=149&modelid=7442

What is the best canon dslr i should purchase next?

Mertle

I'm a 17 year old deciding if a future of photography is best for me and have used the past year to get the experience with a canon eos rebel XT i purchased second hand for a start. Although the camera has no problems besides not as fast of shutter speed as id like, I'm stuck on whether or not i should purchase a better canon or stick with the model i have? I have also purchased a 55-250 lens and i already had the original 55 kit lens. My main subjects typically are portraits and weddings and with scheduled senior pictures and 2 weddings coming up for pay I'm confused on whether or not i should purchase a higher functioning camera or maybe just more lenses and accessories? I will be purchasing this camera second hand as well if i do buy a new(to me) one so since I'm buying entirely myself i would like to stay in a price range of $500 or below on cameras running around that range on ebay and craigslist. Thanks for the help in advance :)
Might i add this is totally unprofessional gigs done by me. Yes there will be small pay but everyone understands that I'm a beginner with no other education other than what i have taught myself and that is a perfect factor for everyone involved since they are just looking for cheaper options and decent quality pictures still being done. I recently shot at a wedding and the pictures turned out fantastic but was just asking for advice on whether or not i should waste money purchasing a newer camera at such a young age or continue with the model i own. Nothing fancy just small local mutual friends and such asking for my assistance in capturing memories for them. I completely understand along with everyone involved that I am not professional therefore that's not even a factor of complaint. My pictures are at the moment amateur with potential and with people seeing that quality they have asked me personally to do these pictures for them. hope this helps clear things up.

Answer
If you're not sure about these things, I'd be very careful shooting a wedding and asking for money for it unless the couple specifically asked you and offered to pay. If they ask you to sign a contract, then think very hard because if you screw up the wedding they could sue. Even if they don't, you run the risk of their memories of such a day being blurred, wrongly coloured or badly composed. Weddings don't give you second chances, by and large.

Reading your question comes across rather like someone who doesn't know how to change the oil on a car charging people for driving lessons. You've been learning for one year? Would you entrust your wedding photos to someone who has been shooting for one year and doesn't really know how good their own equipment is?

Real wedding photographers who shoot Canon generally use significantly higher grade models than a rebel. These days I would guess that most of them are shooting 5D Mark 3s, probably two of them. One with a 24-70 and one with a moderate or long tele...and with high quality flashes on both. That's already a lot of money. Certainly a lot more than 500 dollars. Nearer to 5000, and probably more than that.

To be blunt, you don't sound like you're ready to be trying a wedding. A skilled photographer could shoot a wedding with a rebel and a 55-250, but they would know the camera inside out and back to front.

This sounds like I'm being mean, and maybe I am. But I wouldn't want you to see what happens when such a big occasion goes to pot because the photographer wasn't up to scratch. You could get yourself a 1DX with the best glass Canon can make and it won't make a difference if you haven't got the vision yet.

Google "bad wedding photos" and look what people do in the name of photography. If you think you can do better, then absolutely go for it. But know where you are as a photographer and where you want to be. Then google "good wedding photos" and ask yourself if you could do that. If you really, really believe that you can, then go for it, but from your question it sounds like you still have a lot to learn.

Edit: now I've read your additional details, then by all means go for it. Most modern cameras are good enough to do most things. If anything, you might want to look closely at lenses, rather than cameras. If the wedding's going to be in a church then you might have trouble with the light; a 55-250 lens has a 4.0-5.6 range, which means that you're going to have trouble shooting when there isn't much light available unless you jack up the ISO so high that your pictures get too noisy. I would look at fast prime lenses like a 50mm 1.8 or 1.4, or an 85mm 1.8. (If you happen to win the lottery tomorrow, then get the 50mm 1.2 and the 85mm 1.2)

Faster lenses like these will make it much easier for you if you're in a dark environment.

Hope I didn't come across as too aggressive in the original post: now that you've explained how things are, then I hope you can make a good go of the weddings and portraits.

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What is the best focal length for product photography? (I have a 1.6x APS-C sensor so take that into account)?

best canon lens product photography image

Jack Jagge

I am thinking about what kind of lens should I buy for product photography. It will be a prime for sure.
50mm? 135mm?
85mm?

Btw I am thinking about buying the 50.

Answer
Depends on how big the "products" you want to shoot are. If you're shooting jewelry, I recommend the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro (don't get the L version). If you're shooting cars, you probably want to look at the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5.

If it's anything small (like small enough to put on a table), you almost definitely want a macro lens. 50mm is a good place to start, the EF 50mm f/1.8 is fantastic, and the EF 50mm f/1.4 is even better. I use the EF 85mm f/1.8 for portraits, and while I love that lens, it doesn't focus very close, so it wouldn't be idea for small product photography. Same goes for the EF 135mm f/2L. Awesome lens, I love using it for portraits, but it doesn't suit product photography very well.

Maybe take a look at the Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro or the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro. If you're into third-party lenses, Tamron makes a pretty good 60mm f/2 Macro, and an even better 90mm f/2.8 Macro.

Good luck!

Photography tips for a dark lit environment with moving figures?

???????

I own a Canon 60D DSLR camera and I need to take photos for an upcoming school dance. I would like these photos to cone out as best as possible, but because of the situation, I need tips on how to set up the settings in my camera for the best results.
The dance is very active, and there many moving figures around multicolored/flashing lights in a dark environment.
What settings would help me get the pictures clear, crisp, and not blurry? How would I get the photos to come out with

Answer
First, forget about using your camera's built-in flash except for pictures of individuals or small groups and if you do use it in those situations you'll need to diffuse the flash.

Second, if you can afford either the Canon EF 28mm f1.8 or EF 35mm f2.0 then buy the one you like best after trying them at your local camera store. If you can't afford to buy a new lens then ask if you can rent one. Trying to use the slow, variable aperture zoom lens that came with your camera is going to require a very high ISO so a faster prime lens like the 28mm or 35mm will allow a lower ISO which means reduced digital noise and better image quality. You'll still need a high ISO such as 1600 even with an f1.8 or f2.0 prime lens to achieve a shutter speed fast enough to prevent blur caused by subject motion or camera movement. Since the lenses I'm suggesting are prime lenses with no zoom you'll have to "zoom" with your feet - take a few steps closer to get less in the scene, take a few steps back to get more in the scene. That's how we "zoomed" before zoom lenses were invented.

Third, use your camera's Spot metering setting so the camera's meter isn't trying to calculate exposure for the entire scene. Here are a couple of articles on using spot metering:

http://spotmetering.com/spwhy.htm

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/05/28/when-to-use-spot-metering

The idea is to meter only your subject(s) and let the background go dark.

As I said earlier, if you decide to use your camera's built-in flash in some situations it will need to be diffused. You can use a piece of tissue or thin white cloth or the "Puffer" from Gary Fong.
http://www.garyfongestore.com/featured-products/puffer-pop-up-flash-diffuser.html Using the flash without some sort of diffusion results in harsh lighting which is not very flattering.

From this review it appears that your camera does fairly well at high ISO values but I still recommend one of the 2 fast prime lenses previously referenced.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E60D/E60DA.HTM

Good luck and hope you share some of your results.

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Anyone know the app for iPhone that makes your photo have almost like a lens-looking effect?

best camera lens app for iphone image

Emily

A lot of people lately have been editing their photo from their iPhone to look as if they're looking into one of those circle reflectors they have in stores or also as if they're looking through a camera lens & I can't find the app anywhere! It looks so cool but it's sorta hard to explain. If anyone knows what I'm talking about please let me know the app! Thank you!!!(:

Answer
You are asking about a fisheye lens.

Here is a link to such a lens for your iPhone

http://www.iprolens.com/

"lens-looking effect" Interesting term. There is no such term used in photography. Just so you know

How to get Polaroid looking pictures with Olympus OM-10 Film Camera.?

Paul M

I have an Olympus OM-10 film camera, and when I last got my photos developed they looked normal. How do I get those over saturated, polaroid looking pictures with my camera?

Many thanks for any help.

Answer
Paul, would you drive a banana to work? Or wear a telephone on your head to keep it warm?

Then why would you try to make photos from an Olympus OM10 look like ones made in a Polaroid camera?

The OM10 can take great, "normal" photos. That is the point of that type of camera.

Professional Polaroid Peel Apart films and cameras can do that too. You are probably thinking of Polaroid 600 films and cameras, which are point and shoot, low quality images with white borders around them. If this is what you want, you should buy a Polaroid camera and some film from the Impossible Project.

If you want oversaturated instant photos, buy a Fuji Instax and Fuji Instax instant film.

If you don't care about the artistic integrity of what you are doing, go straight to the Poladroid app for your iPhone like all the other people who can't be bothered with being authentic.

In any case, you will do best using the proper camera/lens/film that is appropriate for the look you are trying to achieve. Else, you will be doing a lot of unnecessary work just to creat an inauthentic product.

Good luck!

METAL AND MANUAL! FILM FOREVER!

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What is the best zoom lens for canon EOS 50D?

best camera lens buy image

Raquel

I don't have enough knowledge about camera lens. I just bought a new canon camera EOS 50D. I am also planning to buy zoom lens but I have no idea what is the best lens for EOS 50D. Your recommendation is highly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
For the 50D you will need a 'good' lens if you want excellent image quality. A cheap telephoto lens is not a good idea for a camera like this, so don't even think about getting a budget one that only costs a couple of hundred dollars or so, because it won't deliver on image quality and will not be good enough for lower lighting. One with a wider (faster) aperture of f/2.8 is an excellent choice.

From the Canon lens/camera review site below (of the 50D)...
"Because the quality of the lens makes a big difference in the image quality delivered by a DSLR - especially one with the resolution of the 50D, I recommend buying (now or later), one of the better Canon general purpose lenses available. At this review date, the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is my most-recommended 1.6x lens with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens and the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens being excellent alternatives."

Another excellent lens with a longer starting focal length is the EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L, with or without IS or the f/4 version with or without IS.

Check out the links below for reviews of all the lenses above (and the 50D) and other lenses...

What does it mean when a camera lens has a fixed aperture?

Danny

I'm looking into buying a bigger camera lens, and I keep on seeing lenses that have a fixed aperture and some that don't. What does that even mean?

Answer
First you need to understand what aperture is: It is the ratio of the length of the lens to the diameter of the lens- thus the larger the aperture (the smaller the number, the larger the aperture) the more light will pass through the lens. This means faster shutter times are possible since more light comes through the lens.

Now, in zoom lenses keeping this ration constant, a "Fixed Aperture", requires very specialised engineering which makes the lens more expensive. However such a lens is far better in low light conditions and tends to be much better engineered than one with a variable aperture/ With a variable aperture as you extend the zoom the aperture gets smaller and less light gets through the lens. This means exposure, shutter speeds etc need to change as you change the zoom on the lens- making using the lens more difficult as you have to vary settings more frequently.

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