What is the best lens for close up photography- Canon 60D?

Q. I don't mean macro for like flowers and insects. I need it for detail shots of jewelry, shoes, and decorations of weddings and quinceneras. I have macro filters but when I need an extreme close-up the edges are very blurry and have a zoom-like effect. I dont like how it looks.

Answer
A macro lens would still be your best option for jewelry though shoes and wedding decorations can usually be done with a telephoto lens if you don't have a macro lens. Macro lenses have the ability to focus closely but they don't need to. A 60mm F2.8 macro or a 100mm F2.8 macro lens is also a very good portrait lens and will do shoes and table decorations quite well.

What would be the best canon macro lens to buy?

Grace

I have a canon 500d body. And i want to buy a canon macro lens. Wanting to take photos of real close ups of flowers, insects, nature life. What should lens should i get??

Answer
I couldn't afford the Canon lens, so I bought the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro, instead.

I love it! It is tack sharp, makes a nice "normal" lens, too, and the 105mm lets me stay away from the bugs a little further.
The only downside is that in macro, sometimes the auto focus does too much "hunting", but even that isn't an issue since I normally use manual focus for macros, anyway.
For extra close macros, I add my Kenko extension tubes.

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I'm looking for a very compact DSLR camera case/ protector...?

Jaime LePo

I don't want to lug around a huge, fortified camera bag but I'd like something compact to protect my DSLR while it's in my backpack (just for the Rebel XSi body and an attached medium range lens). What would you recommend-- a small soft case, a neoprene "sleeve", Domke inserts?
Links would be great! Thanks

Answer
Generic backpacks have an added benefit. They do not yell, "I have cameras in me, steal me!"

I just have some felt lined lens bags and snuggle my DSLR in with them. If you have some old Crown Royal or Bircardi Rum bags, they can hold your memory cards and extra filters and can buffer the camera as you hike or just travel around

What do i need to know before buying a DSLR camera?

lucky

I'm an beginner photographer and I have a point and shoot camera now that is falling apart on me. I don't like it at all so i know i don't want another point and shoot. I'm looking to do outdoor and indoor photos, and i really want a camera that has image stabilization. I would like a camera with all bells and whistles but i know i cant get all of them because my budget is only around $600. I would like to know what info should i know before i go shopping for a new camera. Any info for a person who has never bought a real camera before is helpful.

Thank you

Answer
I have some advice to add, search for dSLR tutorials on the web. Learn what a dSLR is and isn't so you aren't shocked when you get it. Too many people buy them to get away from crappy P&S cameras, slap them in auto mode and wonder why their photos are still blah, and in some cases worse.

dSLRs are not the best point and shoots, but people want to use them that way. You'll need to find free tutorials on the web that cover the three main things you absolutely must know and understand about photography. That would be ISO, aperture and shutter speed. All three things are related and if you change one, the others must change as well.

When you understand that, you can take control of your dSLR and get the shot, or make it more interesting. All those things are now automatically controlled by a point and shoot, and in most cases you can't take control, so most people don't even know what those three things mean or even are.

Understand that dSLRs are money pits. The lenses aren't cheap, and in some cases can cost way more than the camera. Software like photoshop elements, memory cards, camera bags, straps, tripods, flashes, LCD protectors, all cost money. You'll get a lens, and later you want a different focal length, or a better lens, then you want a better dSLR, it can go on and on.

Read, read, read, that's my advice. When you want to take a break from all that, look for dSLR reviews. Entry level models like the Sony Alpha A230, Canon's XS or XSi, and Nikon's D3000 are a good place to start and in the 500-600 dollar range. Of the big three, only Sony Alphas have image stabilization in the body, so it's always stable. Canon and Nikon do it in the lens, and not every lens has it.

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Help with Camera settings, Newborn photography?!?

Erika

Im no professional, I do photography as a hobby. I just got an olympus e-420 and im not so sure about changing the settings and what would work best. My nephew was recently born and i'd like to take some nice pictures of him with this camera. I love how alot of the newborn photographs are blurred just in background. I have learned that people a large aperture and a shutter speed of 1/250 or above. Im reading the manual for my camera, thought i had it through the manual setting but as im playing around with the camera and taking pictures it's not quit doing what i want it to do. Any advice, or different ways to change settings would be helpful. Thanks
I was also playing with it in the aperture priority as it seems a little easier for me. The lowest it will go is a f 3.5... then on the side i can adjust from -5.0 to a +5.0. Im not understanding what thats for either.

Answer
Learning to balance the exposure triangle isn't something that you will learn from your manual. That is what photographers go to school for. We study ways to use it to create the image in our heads for YEARS and discover different ways of doing things constantly. There are many good books and websites for learning photography out there.
Newborns are tough because of the baby skin issues. In fact with newborns you need to slightly overexpose them to get the nicer skin tones-and then you need to raise the luminance of the reds, oranges and yellows in post processing.
To get the blurred background you need to use your widest possible aperture. IF you are using a kit lens it'll be probably 3.5. No zoom because then your aperture will increase. Zoom with your feet. Be as close as you can to your subject will also help with bokeh/blurred background. It's not as easy to achieve with a kit lens. A nice f/1.8 is much easier.

So... shutter of 1/125 or higher, f/3.5 and ISO appropriate to achieve proper or slightly overexposed.


Aperture priority is a great way to start out. You have to watch to make sure your shutter speed isn't dorpping too slow. Theoretically if you are using an 18-55mm lens you can let your shutter down to 1/50 without shake, but the baby may well move in that time too. My rule of thumb is if it is alive no slower than 1/125. Just keep your eye on that.
The +or -5 will probably be your exposure compensation. That's giong to be how you tell the camera that you want to expose the image a little brighter than it normally does or a little darker. If you are shooting and you notice you wish the shots were brighter you would put in a + compensation. How much depends on how much brighter you wish the image was. Just play a little and get a feel for it.
3.5 is the lowest aperture your kit lens goes to. If you zoom you will notice that your aperture automatically changes without you touching it. that is because as you use the zoom in the kit lens it's lowest capable aperture increases-which is why I said to "zoom with your feet."

Best lens for newborn photography?

Mandy

What would be the best recommended lens to use for newborn photography using natural light indoors and outdoors? I have a Canon 40D SLR camera.

Answer
You haven't said what your budget is - if it's limited then you can't go wrong with the 50mm f1.8. If you have more to spend then I'd recommend the 24-70mm f2.8.

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camera lens for canon t3i?

Q. long story short, i started making beauty videos on youtube and i am going to get the canon t3i. what should i look for in lenses?? should i get telephoto? will it like blur out the background a little? for example. if you look at ellesglittergossip and then juicystart07, elle has the background blured out, and juicystar dosnt.... what kind of lens do that? please help. thanks you

Answer
It's DOF your referring to, Depth of Field. Here's an article on the subject.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_Field

What you're actually asking is pertinent to each situation. Every lighting situation is different. DOF is not a big deal if you know how to operate your camera and lens.

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 is excellent at creating a shallow DOF because the aperture is so wide. However you can do it with any lens if you know what you're doing.

I'd suggest some reading, like the article above, and then lots of practice in different lighting situations.

camera lens for canon t3i?

Q. long story short, i started making beauty videos on youtube and i am going to get the canon t3i. what should i look for in lenses?? should i get telephoto? will it like blur out the background a little? for example. if you look at ellesglittergossip and then juicystart07, elle has the background blured out, and juicystar dosnt.... what kind of lens do that? please help. thanks you

Answer
If you just want the background to be blurred then you don't need a special lens or anything. It's all about your depth of field. The kit lens that comes with it is fine.

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Fisheye lens for phone ?

Alex

ok so I want to get a fisheye lens for my iPhone. I have the 3GS but I'm thinking of getting an android soon as well. & I want a fisheye lens for both my iPhone and android. I want something from amazon because I like their prices. So what fisheye lens can I get to work for both my phones.

Answer
0.42X FISHEYE LENS W/ MACRO FOR CANON EOS DIGITAL REBEL [Camera] is better.

***

Removing spray paint from cell phone camera lens?

Luis Trejo

I painted the the area around my camera lens and got some spray paint on it. It's not the top piece over the lens. That piece of glass broke and I removed it. It's the actual first layer of glass for the lens. It's small and rounded, and is indented into the phone. My only precaution was putting tissue in it and the first 2 coatings it didn't seep through, the third it did. After using normal acetone nail polish remover, glass cleaner, lens cleaner for my prescription glasses, and jewelry cleaner. It still looks foggy when I take pictures.

Anything I can try?

Answer
Most likely it looks foggy because you etched a coating on the lens with the acetone. Buy a new phone.

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Help with cameras please?

Ohio

Okay so I need a new camera. At the moment I'm using a Sony Cyber-shot - that's all I have. I am thinking about getting a proper one for Christmas. I have around £200 - £250. At the moment I don't really know the difference between DSLR film and digital. Could someone explain them two please.

I think I just want a decent camera that will take sharp pictures (mainly of people in a surrounding) that I can load straight onto the computer and edit them upload, etc.

Any help would be appreciated!

Answer
There are NO DSLR film cameras. Only DSLR's (digital single lens reflex cameras). The SLR's that use film are called 35 mm SLR's

The difference between a camera like your Sony called P&S cameras and a DSLR are as follows:

The DSLR has a sensor that is at least 15 times larger than a P&S
DSLR's are fully adjustable ... P&S cameras pick all the exposures for the user.
DSLR's can use lenses from fisheye to extreme telephoto .. a P&S has one lens ... no chance to change to another one.
The electronics on DSLR's are much more sophisticated than any P&S camera

DSLR Lens Help :) ??

scuba_dive

I've seen all these lenses like 18-55 and 24-105, what do these numbers refer to -- explain!! I know for example 24mm is a wide angle lens (I think) but why?

Answer
On a APS-C sensored camera, a 24 mm lens is not that wide an angle lens. The wide angle lens range for those cameras are from 10 mm to about 18 mm, so a 18-200 mm lens will provide you with a wide angle to long telephoto range and a 10-24 mm lens will provide you a super wide angle lens to moderately wide angle lens

In general the shorter the lens, the wider field of view of coverage it will have, hence it is called a wide angle lens. There is an important part you may not know about. The angle of coverage of a specific lens length differs depending upon the size of the sensor or film.

For instance.

A 65 mm lens is a wide angle lens when used on a 4x5 view camera
A 50 mm lens is a wide angle lens when used on a medium format camera
A 24 mm lens is a wide angle lens when used on a full frame camera like a 35 mm SLR or full frame dSLR
A 14 mm lens is a wide angle lens when used on a APS-C (so called cropped sensor) dSLR
A 4.5 mm lens is a wide angle lens when used on a P&S camera

Here is a link to what various focal length lenses can "see" when attached to a full frame SLR or ASPIC dSLR. Just choose which you would like to see at the bottom of this linked page

http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/learning_center/tools/focal-length-comparison.php

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35 mm Minolta Camera lenses?

Are the extended lenses for the Minolta compatible with any other brands of cameras? I want to go digital but love my lenses and want to continue using them.

Answer
If your Minolta lenses are the SR manual focus mount then the only way you can use them on a Sony DSLR is with an adapter. SRT-100, 101, 102, 200, 201, 202, XG-7, 9, XD-11, X-700 are SR mount cameras.

If your lenses are Minolta Maxxum auto focus then buy a Sony DSLR and your lenses will mount and work just fine. Maxxum 7000, 7000i were the first of the A-mount auto focus cameras.

DSLR Camera and Interchangeable Lenses?

Q. What is a good DSLR camera with fast shutter speed?
Can lenses fit on a camera even if it is a different brand as long as the mm matches?
Ex. Can a Canon 18-55mm lens fit on a Nikon camera with 18-105mm?
Asg?
Thanks. I was just using Nikon and Canon as an example. :) I have lenses but can't find the camera brand anymore so was wondering if they could be used on different brands (like the Canon/Nikon example)

Answer
Not sure why you need a fast shuter speed camera. You know in theory, faster the shutter speed, the less clarity your image become? And most of fast shutter cameras work better with wider aperture lens to achieve the benefit. But these lens are extremely expansive. i.e. Canon 85mm 1.2L cost $2000+.

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What is a good cheap canon lens for wedding/portrait work?

Gigi

One of my friends is letting me photograph her wedding, and she can't afford to pay me more then $300 so I'm not going to go all out and buy a new body/ expensive lens ect..and I do plan on buying a flash.
I have a 50mm 1.8 for the close ups, but I need a good tele lens for under $300. I'm using a Canon Rebel xs. I would also like to be able to use it for portrait work. One of my friends uses the Sigma 70-300 for Canon, would that be a good one to look at?
Thanks!

Answer
I have a 28-100 that works really well for macro and for portrait. are you using more than one camera body or will you have to switch the lenses out during the ceremony.
the 70-300 wont be much use for the close up stuff - but it should work well as a telephoto.
What sort of flash are you buying - for only 300 it sounds like you are not going to break even if you buy a new lens and a new flash unit.

the link below has some photography equipment review sites in it - you should take a look around at some of those forums (you don't have to necessarily buy a canon lens for your canon camera)

What's a good canon lens for wedding portraits?

Q. I have a Canon Rebel T2i and I'm looking for a good lens for a wedding that I will be attending in May. I'm not much of a portrait photographer, but I'm going to take pictures as a favor to the bride's family.

Since I don't have much expertise in the subject, I've turned to you guys for advice. I can't afford to spend a couple thousand dollars on a lens. I've been reading up on portrait lenses and I think I like the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, but that's mostly just a guess on my part. Like I said, I have no experience in this area.

I'm also kind of looking for a lens to capture the scenery. I don't have many lenses because I can't really afford them, so any recommendations for this particular location would be wonderful. I've included the facebook page for the venue.
https://www.facebook.com/FairgateInn

I really appreciate your help, guys. Thank you in advance.

Answer
Do they have a professional wedding photographer too? You may want to remind them that when everyone has forgotten the cool location, the pictures are all they will have to remember that day and no matter how good they think you are - the fact you say you aren't a portrait photographer should make them spend the money on a photographer who is actually qualified for this.

Anyway - as a very cheap but good portrait lens, the 50mm 1.8 is a good bet. However, for a wedding, you will need a lens with much wider variety so I would say 24-70 if you're only after 1 lens. It's not cheap though and the money they would have you spend on that can be spent on a wedding photographer. If they do already have a pro wedding photographer, and you're just doing extra shots, then the 50mm 1.8 will suffice.

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is this microfiber cloth good for camera lens?

is this cloth good for my canon powershot sd's lens? (im not going to use the fluid that comes with it)...and i will be using this mostly to take out streaks (from when i cleaned it before) and dust....

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?parentPage=search&pg=1&summary=summary&cp=&accessories=accessories&productId=2504169&kw=microfiber+cloth&techSpecs=techSpecs&currentTab=techSpecs&custRatings=custRatings&searchSort=TRUE&features=features&sr=1&y=6&retainProdsInSession=1&origkw=microfiber+cloth&support=support&s=A-StorePrice-RSK&x=10&tab=summary

Answer
When I spent a zillion dollars a couple of months ago at a local Canon dealer, they very nicely gave me an air blow thingie (rubber bulb) and a microfiber cloth (both labeled "Canon"). They seem to work well. The air thing is called hurricane, I think. I keep it in a seal sandwich bag in my camera bag.

You never drop the liquid on the lens--you can do so on the cloth--and just a drop or two (not like soaking the thing wet)--and it should keep your lens nice and shiny. Get a clear UV (don't be cheap on this. I mean don't use a $10 filter on a $2,000 lens) to protect it, too.

What is the best cloth and cleaner to use to safely clean a camera lens?

Q.

Answer
Use compressed air to blow away lint and dust first. Then use a microfiber lintless cloth or lens-cleaning tissue to clean the lens, with a drop of lens cleaning fluid if necessary.

If you take care never to touch the surface of a lens, typically all you need to do is blow dust away from time to time. Cleaning with a cloth or tissue is only necessary if you have to remove a fingerprint or something. Always try to get dust and particles blown away first, so that nothing scratches the lens when you rub it with the cloth or tissue.

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Question about DSLR camera and lens...?

Jp R

i was just wondering if you left a camera body open like without a lens and you don't have one of those caps on it... will it mess anything up? and also the same with a lens, if you dont have a lens cap on either ends will it break as well? Just wondering because i'm paranoid about taking off the lens and stuff haha i'm new to this stuff

Answer
Short and simple answer >> YES << it's called dust, finger prints. The lens won't break without the caps on, but the caps are supposed to be used to reduce the chances of dust, finger prints or any other items away from certain items such as the sensor, mirror.

Rumor about DSLR cameras?

I do not know much about cameras, but have received a Canon Xsi. A friend of mine told me not to leave it out without a bag or case for too long because dust, etc can get into the camera and alter its functioning in the long term.

Is this true? Should I be worried if I want to carry it for long hours consistently without it being in a bag (though I do put the lens cover on as much as possible)?

Answer
Although entry-level DSLR cameras like the Canon XSi aren't dust and moisture resistant like the higher-priced models they are still designed to be used in conditions that an amateur photographer would normally encounter. Obviously you wouldn't be carrying it unprotected out in the rain or in extremely dusty conditions (like walking along a heavily traveled gravel or dirt road) but other than those extremes just attach the neck strap and enjoy your camera. Keep your camera safe by always having it hanging around your neck from the strap. In 40 years I've worn out a few neck straps but I've never dropped a camera.

However, I do keep a large plastic storage bag (the self-sealing kind) in my camera bag in case a sudden rain shower catches me out.

When I'm out shooting landscapes I leave my camera attached to my tripod and carry the tripod over my shoulder like a rifle. However, I do loop the neck strap around the tripod legs so if the quick release somehow failed the camera wouldn't hit the ground.

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Camera Lens ?

Thrillz

I picked up a Vivitar 85-205mm 1:2.8 lens number 22530272
today and i was wonering if they sell a adaptor to convert these old lens
for dslr cams?

I have a sony a100 and i would love to be able to use this lens with it. The zoom on it looks cool and the macro features on it are neat.

I just hope i can get a adaptor to fit it.

If not what camera would it work on?

Answer
Your lens is a manual focus lens. The Sony A100 is an autofocus camera. So, you won't get metering or autofocus.

If the Vivitar is a screw-mount, you might be in luck for a converter/adapter--there are M42 screw mount to Sony/Minolta AF adapters available, even on amazon.com

If the Vivitar lens is any other mount, then you are out of luck. If it is a Minolta MD mount lens, there are Minolta MD to Sony/Minolta AF adapters, but they are of poor quality--they have to add a glass element to get to infinity focus and this greatly degrades image quality. Any other mount--Pentax, Canon, Nikon, etc--and there's no adapter.

You might also want to see this page; this person apparently developed a work-around to allow old Minolta lenses to mount to Sony AF mounts:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arkku/1266938702/

Otherwise, to figure out what camera your lens would work on--first figure out the lens mount on the Vivitar and go from there.

DSLR camera lens question?

BabyMama

Im just curious what the 15mm-55mm what that means when looking at lenses? Other numbers too but still.

Also im interested in a cam but it is only a 3x zoom but if you buy the lenses does that add zoom????

Thanks, im new to the SLR cameras.
It was a sony dslr.... with a 15mm 55mm lense.

Answer
its the focal lenght of the lens.
15mm is the distance between the
the image sensor, or film, and the
lens glass. the lower the number,
the wider the lens and the higher
the number, longer the focal lenght
thus the more zoom. if you divide
the 2 numbers you get the zoom
number. 55÷15=3.6 meaning 3x zoom
power. a 18mm-200mm lens has a zoom
power of 11x

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How good is the macro photography on the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens?

And if it's not that great, can you recommend a different one?

Answer
The quality is good, but it is not a macro lens. Look at the photos users put on Amazon; these were all taken with the Canon EF 50mm F/1.4 USM
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B00009XVCZ/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_all

If you want a macro lens then I highly suggest you get the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM <--- love this lens!

CAnon Lens:what do you prefer USM or IS lens?

a_joemar

Does year 1990's telephoto zoom lens with USM features are still good enough capturing sharp images such as:
75-300mm III USM
90-300mm USM

Whereas, the
55-250mm (new model) has IS

so, what would you prefer?

How USM is important than IS or vice-versa?

pls advice,

thanks
anway my camera is EOS 450D/XSI

am planning to upgrade to telephoto zoom lens w/c is affordable yet offers quality images
my budget falls up to $350.

Answer
okay basics:

Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology suppresses blur when taking stills and minimises image shake when shooting video footage. Canonâs lens-shift type IS allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower with no perceptible increase in image blur.

An Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) delivers rapid, responsive zooming with virtually silent operation, reducing the risk of sound interference on movies and or when shooting wildlife subjects.

An Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens element curbs chromatic aberrations at longer focal lengths to ensure faithful colour reproduction and sharp definition.

So, basically it will depend on the kind of photo shoot you will do, right?

Generally, IS is more preferred. Personally, I go with IS.

taga-bacolod ka ba kabayan? pupunta ko dyan by september or october. hopefully. patingin naman ng mga camera mo!

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What is the best film camera for a beginner photographer between these: Canonet Q17, Canon F-1, Nikon FE-2?

Q. I'm choosing between these cameras:

Canon Canonet Q17
Canon F-1
Nikon FE-2

Also, for seasoned photographers, what lens do you recommend for the camera of your choosing? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Kathleen, welcome to the wondrous world of Film Photography! I think you'll enjoy it and it seems like you've done some research already which is great!

I'm curious as to where you got these particular camera models from because, other than being all 35mm, they are three very different cameras and none are what I would consider "ideal student cameras". That being said, you can learn basic photography on any one of them just fine.

Let's start by answering your last question, which is important. 50mm. Every 35mm film photographer and wise digital photographers, start and regularly use a 50mm lens. The Canonet has a 40mm fixed lens, which is fine. Basically the same thing. These lenses are important because they have roughly the same angle of view as our eyes, making them good lenses for most types of shoots. They can also have wide maximum apertures for shooting in a variety of lighting situations. And best of all, they are among the cheapest of all lenses yet among the highest quality too.

Personally, I recommend a Pentax K1000 or a Nikon FM as beginner cameras because they are decently priced, fully manual and simple. This means that you don't have any controls you don't need but everything that you do in order to learn solid basic photography. These particular cameras are also of very high build quality and will last a lifetime. I've been shooting on mine for over 10 years. Older shooters have been relying on them even longer.

I suggest buying from KEH.com or your local used camera shop. Do not buy your first camera on eBay, while these are reliable cameras, they often require some maintenance due to age and most eBay sellers are not going to go that extra step for the cost. So you'll wind up wasting film, money and time only to find out you have a broken camera. You may even have an issue with whatever you buy at KEH or your local shop but at least you can return/exchange it or have it repaired by them.

Anyway, a run-down of your cameras in question.

--QL17 is a compact fixed lens rangefinder. Some people have issues focusing accurately with rangefinders but others prefer them to SLR's. What's nice is rangefinders are tiny, quiet and you see your subject at the moment of exposure. The QL17 is considered, in some circles, overpriced for what it is due to high collectability and desirability among current film shooters as a cheap Leica alternative. Most of the QL17's I've handled have had issues such as sticky aperture blades so you have to spend the cost of a good interchangeable lens SLR for one that is in good working order. So that's the limitation with the QL17, only one lens. As stated, you can get auxiliary lenses for them but they are clunky, not as high quality and expensive. Fun camera but maybe not great for a student.

--The Canon F-1 is a professional 35mm SLR. It's build quality is tank-like and there are a massive number of accessories for it so that it can be highly customized. There are two F-1's that go by the same name (Canon, you'll find has really strange naming conventions); the F-1 and the new F-1 (which is still very old now! At any rate, these are FD mount cameras and there is no modern camera that can swap lenses with this. Modern Canon cameras us an EF mount instead. This is both good and bad. It means that high quality FD mount lenses are relatively cheap now but it also means that if you want to expand into a DSLR or just a newer 35mm SLR, you'll need a whole new set of lenses for it. So when you buy an FD mount camera, you have to really be committed to that line of bodies by Canon. This is a terrific first camera as it's fully manual. It's a bit more than what you need but it'll also be a lifetime camera that you'll be proud to own and use.

--Nikon FE-2. Another excellent camera. Not as professional as the Canon F-1 but still very very high build quality and a good number of acaccessoriesnd ability to customize. But this camera is perhaps more overkill to a degree. It features aperture priority exposure mode which is unnecessary for the student. It also hahas higher shutter speed and ISO range than the original FE or FM. The FE2 is a later sibling of the FM that I recommended. So with the FE-2, you're on the right track. It could be another camera for life. It's more useful than the Canon in some respects because its lenses ARE swappable with modern bodies, so when you buy these lenses, your are making a real investment by going Nikon. The original FE even allows you to use older lenses that go back as far as 1959.

Whatever you choose, just have fun and be sure to read a basic 35mm photography guide. That is the crucial part.

MANUAL AND METAL! FILM FOREVER!

What kind of camera lens should I get?

Q. Hello,

I'm new to the world of photography. I plan to get a Canon T2i/550d as my first DSLR. I just do not know what kind of camera lens I should buy. If you can link me to some nice package deals on amazon or give me a link teaching me about different types of lenses, that would be great!

PS: I do not know about the "numbers" when it comes to lenses. For example, I have no clue what "EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6" is.

Thanks!

Answer
EF is the name of the lens mount system for Canon EOS cameras. All EOS cameras can take EF lenses. The lens mount is the mechanism that fits the lens physically to the camera body. Different brands of cameras have different lens mount systems.

EF-S lenses are specially made for cameras such as the T2i which have cropped sensors - sometimes called an APS-c sized sensor. They are not suitable for EOS cameras with full frame sensors. The sensor is the light sensitive electronic cell in a digital camera, which the image gets focussed onto, to create an image, which the camera then records. The sensor is the digital equivalent of film in a film camera.

55-250mm means the zoom range of the lens. The numbers themselves relate to the focal lengths available from that lens. At the 55mm end of the range, the angle of view is wider (zoomed out). At the 250mm end the lens become a telephoto lens, like when you zoom in on something, the angle of view is narrower at higher focal lengths.

The "f" refers to the f-stop - also known as the aperture of the lens. The aperture of the lens is the size of the hole that lets more or less light into the lens. The aperture can be adjusted to let in more light (wider) or reduce the amount of light entering the camera (narrower). Big holes let in more light than narrow holes.

f/4.0-5.6 relates to the range of apertures available over the entire zoom range of the lens. At the 55mm end of the lens, the widest possible aperture is f/4.0 - at the telephoto end (250mm) the widest possible aperture is f/5.6

Understanding camera lenses here: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-lenses.htm

Understanding apertures/exposure: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-lenses.htm

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Cheap Lens for canon 1000d dslr Toy lens and £10 lenes?

James Lewi

hi i want to have a go at buying some cheep lenes like toy ones or gimiks that will fit on to a canon dslr 1000d
ie http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Loreo-Lens-Cap-35mm-Pancake-lens-Canon-EOS-/140439965209?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item20b2dfce19#ht_2071wt_1125

Answer
You should check out the Diana F lens converter for canon it retails for about ten bucks, however it opens you up to all of their lenses, it's not exactly the widest range of camera lenses, they're all pretty neat. and they'll give you the effect you're looking for.

http://www.amazon.com/Lomography-Diana-Adaptor-Canon-mount/dp/B002SSU4AS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1301660541&sr=1-1

Hi I need help choosing a lens for my canon 1000D?

Here I am

I own a canon eos 1000d with standard lens 18-55mm, i am planning to buy a telephoto lens, my budget is around INR 13000, which telephoto lens is best in my price range does tamron lens offer better quality in this price range or canon lenses? i have in my mind canon 55-250mm but how good is this lens? and do tell me which telephoto lens in around 13000 rupees is best for my camera

Answer
I've no idea on prices in Rupees but if you can find stick with Canon, you will have a better match even though Tamron is a good name. The lens you have in mind sounds adequate unless you expect to need more telephoto. There are some wildlife shots you don't want to be too close to and other shots you just can't close enough.

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Canon t3i or t4i please help!?

Q. I'm a beginner in photography and filmography. I can't choose what camera to buy! please help!
if you can, please suggest what lens to buy too(: thanks

Answer
The Canon T4i and T5i when fitted with one of the new Canon "STM" lenses can auto focus during video.

EF-S 18-135mm IS STM

EF-S 18-55mm IS STM

EF 40mm STM

The Canon T3i doesn't allow auto focus durinng video with any lens.

Live video recording on PC with Canon Rebel T3i??

Genodo

I have recently ordered the said camera, just waiting for it to arrive.
I like to do a lot of mental planning, and one of the things that came to mind was the question mentioned above.
Can I record a video with computer connected with the software provided and save it onto the hard drive directly?
Also, would there be a time limit on how much I can record in a single button press if I use the camera connected to the computer?
I've searched up a bit and pretty much everyone said its a matter of the camera being overheated and shutting itself down. Right now, its pretty chilly where I live, so I'm guessing it won't overheat as quickly?
I want to record maybe like 1 or 2hrs.
I could probably pause for a few minutes between certain events.
I'll have a good sized memory card
I think I had other questions, but this is what I can think of right now.

I'm new to DSLRs, but definitely experience in technological areas, and I'm a quick learner.

Answer
While I agree with Jim A and lyingtiggeruk, another thing you can do is download and read through the manual of the dSLR you have selected - if you have not already done so.

Link to the canon.com T3i manual:
http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/0/0300004720/02/eosrt3i-eos600d-im2-c-en.pdf

Manuals for the included apps are at the same place
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/eos_slr_camera_systems/eos_digital_slr_cameras/eos_rebel_t3i_18_55mm_is_ii_lens_kit#BrochuresAndManuals

You really don't need to rely on what "everyone said" because it is is in the manual:
Overheating: Page 163. Also on that page are cautions related to the internal mic recording noise when capturing video with auto-focus and zoom motor. Use of an external mic is suggested - better yet, an external recording device (like a Zoom H4n). Then there's the file length limitation (page 151) and the file segmentation (also indicated on page 151).

You may get a couple more minutes of video capture time becasue of the lower ambient temperature - but you most likely won't get to 1 or 2 hours. Normally, the overheating shutdown happens at about 20 minutes. I think you will be lucky if you get to the auto-shutdown 29 minutes and 29 seconds limitation.

Page 141 shows the fully charged included LP-E8 battery providing 1 hour and 40 minutes under normal ambient temperature - or an hour and 20 minutes in the cold - of video record time. So you may need another battery, too.

The dSLRs less than about $1,500 are not designed for video capture. That is a secondary "convenience feature" that comes with the primary capability for which it was designed - capturing still images. If video is the primary reason, then a device designed with that as its primary feature is a better investment. If a dSLR footprint is required, then the Canon EOS C100/C300/C500 or even the Blackmagic Design pocket cinema cams are suggested. Then there are several camcorders that use dSLR imaging chip systems and have interchangeable lens systems - like the Panasonic AG-AF100, and Sony NEX-EA50UH and others in the Sony NEX VG series, among others. They do not have the overheating or record time issues and are designed to capture video and audio.

I understand these are more than the T3i. But what you are planning to do is the equivalent of using a sedan to transport large items instead of a truck. It may be able to do the job, but the work-arounds could cause far more problems. As flyingtiggeruk indicated, "If you want to record long duration videos get a camcorder." This is wise advice...

This does not mean the lower end dSLRs can't capture great video - they can, but your expectation of running over 30 minutes of continuous video capture is well above the known spec. In my experience, I have seen that one mark of a good photographer or videographer (among several) is using the equipment within its design parameters. They can capture great quality video using an old cell phone because they set up the lighting and editing environments to leverage the capabilities of the small lens and high compression video.

The alternative is that you don't get to complain about problems when they happen - you knew about them and went ahead with the purchase with an assumption of a workaround that may not work. (The cool-down time is pretty long, so "pause for a few minutes between certain events" may not provide enough cool-down time - generally, the pros I know who use dSLRs for video capture have two or three of the same camera - while one or two are cooling one is in use).

Good luck.

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Which of these three cameras is the better deal?

Q. First, I want opinions from people who know what they are talking about. If you don't currently own a DSLR and don't have experience working with them, I don't want your answer. This is a serious decision. I'm on a tight budget as a college student, yet I need this camera for my major and my future.

Here are the camera's I've found.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-NIKON-D60-D-SLR-CAMERA-18-55-VR-3-LENS-16GB-KIT_W0QQitemZ110465670647QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Cameras?hash=item19b8445df7

http://cgi.ebay.com/CANON-REBEL-T1i-EOS-500D-SLR-CAMERA-3-LENS-8GB-KIT_W0QQitemZ170424621257QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Cameras?hash=item27ae1958c9

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Canon-EOS-Digital-Rebel-T1i-Camera-18-55mm-lens-kit_W0QQitemZ250559179732QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital_Cameras?hash=item3a567dabd4

Two of them are new and one is refurbished. I don't have any Nikon/Canon loyalties and I haven't decided which one I like better. So I'm up for either as this will be my first DSLR. I know that the Canon t1i is a "better" camera...but is it really? I don't care about shooting video and that seems to be the reason the t1i is so expensive. Do you think there are any flaws or catches with these cameras? Can you find me something better?

Just to give you an idea of what I'm going to be shooting: I will be taking photos for Journalism classes. I enjoy taking photos on my own and what to get better at it. I enjoy taking macro shots and photos outdoors because that's what I'm good at. I would like to get better at shooting inside, though as well. I want great image quality. I've played with DSLRs before and I've taken a photojournalism class. I'm also really good at figuring things out...so complexity isn't really an issue. I was drawn to the d60 because I'm pretty small myself, and I want to be able to comfortably hold the camera...though I don't want size to be a deterrent.

I want to stay under $900.

Thanks!
I am wanting a camera for journalism. I need a DSLR for classes at school. I'm a beginner who knows what they're doing more than the average beginner. I simply cannot afford the uber professional camera right now. This is what I am stuck with for now. I'm looking for advice, not elitist comments. Thanks.

Answer
Here is my advice, both Canon and Nikon are excellent brands, so pick the camera you like most. Once you have picked that camera, then I would start off with the short zoom that so often is avaiable with the camera, most likely it will be a 18-55mm zoom which is a great versatile lens.

Buy new, and check some options other than just ebay.

Next advice regarding Nikon, look at the D3000 and the D5000 which are current Nikon models. The D60 has been discontinued and the two I list will be better overall to invest in.

Here are the basic prices I have seen recently.

Nikon D3000 10MP DSLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens - $490
Nikon D5000 12MP DSLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens - $696
Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D) 15MP DSLR w/EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens - $769

Below are links, some are for you if you want to research the cameras and the others are photo dealers.

Hope this helps.

Mark

What's the best camera? Avid photographers please...?

Nadine

I am getting a digital camera for my boyfriend. He is a beginner (and so am I)! But I would like to get him a nice camera which he would enjoy taking photos with. I have found these cameras which are on my price range, and I would like someone's opinion who knows about them a little better than me. I have heard that the Canon EOS 500D is a really good one, but what about the others? What's the difference? What seems like the best deal? :) Opinions appreciated! :)

1. Sony A230 10MP DSLR kit W/ 18-55 + 75-300 lens $550.

2. Nikon D5000 12MP, 18-55 VR + 55-200VR $840.

3. Canon REBELX51 2 lens kit $760.

4. Nikon D3000 kit 18-55, $500

5. Canon EOS 500D Rebel T1i 15.1 w/ EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Kit $650

Answer
Bear in mind that dSLRs are all basically the same. The D3000 has the advantage of being the cheapest in your list. It also has an on-screen "tutor" feature beginners may appreciate. At it's price, the A230 with two lenses is a winner! If you get without the second lens, it will be a hundred dollars cheaper than the D3000.

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Best DSLR camera bag?

Q. I need a camera bag that doesn't look like the kind a 60 year old man would carry around to take pictures of his hike or something. it doesn't have to be a camera bag, but i want to be able to carry around my dslr everywhere! i was thinking maybe a cross over bag? but i don't know! all help appreciated!

Answer
I use a backpack. It can hold two dSLR's four lenses all my accessories (24 memory cards, remote shutter release, Xrite Colorchecker Passport, earplugs, lens tissue, notepad, pens, business cards,etc)

When traveling, it can also hold my notebook computer, mouse, 1 tb external drive and power cords

What I like about it is that it does not say, "I have cameras in here, steal me"

Where can I buy a DSLR camera condensation bag?

Q. I've been searching for them but i cant find one?
"camera condensation bag" is what i searched for. Its for when you take your camera outside in the snow, ice, humidity, etc and it will prevent condensation from getting in the lens and mirror.
I already thought to use a plastic bag with gel pouch, but I wanted something that would allow the pictures to be clearer. Since the lens would be inside the bag too. It wouldn't turn out very well I wouldn't think.

Answer
No Natalie, camera doesn't have to be in the bag when you take pictures. The idea is to seal camera in the bag and let it sit in cold for 20-30 mins, then you can remove the bag and use your camera.
Repeat the procedure when you get back to a warmer place.
I live in Finland and in winters it can be as cold as -30C, and if I have to go out shooting I put my whole camera bag in refrigerator for 15 mins and then in freezer for 15 mins again, and then I can go shoot without any major problem, I don't even use the plastic bag.
T

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best wide angle camera for real estate pictures?

Q.

Answer
If you are using a Nikon cropped sensor camera, the 12-24 mm is the best

If you are using a Canon cropped sensor camera, the 10-22 mm lens is best

You will also need a sturdy tripod and make sure that your cameras back is parallel to the walls so you do not get key-stoning

What type of camera is recommended for taking photos of home interiors and exteriors?

Q. Want photos to be flattering. Some features I would like are: Faking incandescent lighting, neutralizing natural lighting from windows, ability to make room look large, removing shadows from objects/lamps, decor, etc.

Answer
Any camera will do, what is important is having a super wide angle lens. Architectural and Real Estate photographers use lenses like the 14 mm and 20 mm when using 35 mm SLR's or full frame dSLR for shooting interiors. 20 mm and 24 mm are more typical lenses for shooting exteriors.

Cameras do not "fake incandescent lighting" nor to they neutralize natural lighting from windows.

It seems that you are attempting to bypass using 85b and ND gels on windows to balance the outdoor light with the interior lighting when necessary or shooting at night to eliminate the extra costs and work.

The key is to always use the correct white balance for the the lighting you are using. For that a tool like X-Rite's ColourChecker Passport is important to use in every different lighting condition.

While a tool like Passport is important, it is not a substitute for shooting home and offices in situ and have them look "natural" to the viewer, it cannot substitute using time honored techniques used by architectural photographers for decades..

When shadows do exist in the scene, the old method of "painting with light" using an incandescent lamp to fill those shadows during long exposures is a time tested technique. This method is best used when using film, since digital cameras cannot take exposures longer than about 30 minutes and the results are not very pleasing. For long exposures (over about ten minutes) you may have to use film in any case.

Look for books by Julius Shulman, perhaps the most well known of all the architectural photographers

As you can see, shooting buildings and their interiors is not a Point and Shoot kind of assignment.

You may want to interview a professional architecural photographer and maybe shadow them on a shoot.

Take a look at the magazine "Architectural Digest" for ideas and to see if you can emulate what those photographers are doing then capturing the essence of the building or room in the magazine

Do I need to mention that you will need a good sturdy tripod, remote shutter release, incident light meter for getting readings throughout the scene to determine where light will be needed to reduce shadows and assure that the focal plane of the camera is parallel to the building to prevent "key-stoning"?

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Canon 60d lens? (film)?

Nate

I am a filmaker and currently have the Canon Vixia hf200 but I am looking to buy a DSLR camera from Canon. I am looking at the Canon 60d mainly because of its price and video capabilities. I am wondering what lens i should get for it for filming. My price range is under $2,000 (including the camera). Also, I am most likely going to buy a microphone for it. Any recommendations on a mic (specific) for the canon 60d? Any other camera/ camcorder recommendations?

Answer
i was googling and found Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera whic is really good.

*18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor; ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800)
*Includes 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD standard zoom lens
*Improved EOS HD Video mode with manual exposure control; Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor
*5.3 fps continuous shooting; enhanced iFCL 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system
*Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-60D-3-0-Inch-18-135mm-Standard/dp/B0040JHVC2/?tag=pntsa-20

Canon 60d good for videos?

Brandon

I am looking for a video camera for around 750$. I have mic lighting tripod ect but just need camera. I will rarely use for pictures just mainly recording hd video. Is canon 60d good choice for hd videos for youtube or no. What is best? Thanx

Answer
I have owned 60d for two years but only for still photography, it is however, perfectly capable of high quality cinematic videos, especially when paired with a wide aperture lens (I'll recommend a Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 lens for videos, as it melts away the background better than Canon 50mm f1.8 and also f1.4).
There are however, certain limitations to using dSLR for videos, e.g clip length is limited, moire effect etc. But there are certain dSLR's which are more video oriented, and 60d happens to be one of them, so you should not have any problem using it for youtube videos.
Also take a look at Panasonic GH3, which is also video oriented camera. But given a choice I'll get a 60d with Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 for youtube videos.

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I want your guidance on DSLR & Lens available ?

phatkar

I want to purchase DSLR, I am new to digital photography & want to purchase one good camera along with one lens.

Mainly I want to use it for day to day photography, surely not for fashion or wildlife photography.

After looking at catalogues related to cameras & lens, I am confused & not able to make my decision.

I like canon EOS 400D & 450D with good zoom capabilities (may be 30X) but not sure about Nikon & I have no idea about lens & its functions.

Can all masters here suggest me one ??

Budget 30000 Indian Rupees

Answer
The Canon 400D and 450D are very good cameras. The 450D is newer and it has more megapixels, a slightly larger LCD screen, and it has Live-View (which lets you use the LCD screen to take pictures). These are minor improvements, but nice to have. The image quality and all of the other important things are the same.

Canon also makes a 1000D model. The 1000D is also newer than the 400D, but these two cameras are almost identical. And like the 400D, it is cheaper than the 450D.

Personally, I think that the only real advantage of the 450D is the slightly larger LCD screen. I would not pay the higher price for that. (In the USA the price difference between the 400D and 450D is $80.)

Instead, I would get either the 400D or the 1000D - whichever one you can find cheaper in India. In the USA the price is almost the same... because the camera is almost the same.

Lenses...

All three of these cameras can be purchased as a kit with the Canon 18-55mm zoom lens. This is only 3x zoom, but that is enough for about 80% of what most people photograph. You can buy lenses with a lot more zoom range, but that would go over your budget. For example, Canon has an 18-200mm zoom (11x zoom) and Tamron has an 18-270mm zoom (15x zoom) for Canon cameras. (This Tamron lens has the biggest zoom range of any lens for a dSLR camera. A 30x zoom lens does not even exist.)

If you want to get the most zoom range within your budget, purchase the camera with two lenses: the 18-55mm and either an inexpensive 55-200mm lens or a cheap 70-300mm lens. But since you do not mention anything that requires a lot of zoom range, I would start out with simply the 18-55mm lens. You can always purchase an additional lens later on.

Nikon...

The Nikon D60 and the cheaper D40 are also within your budget. The D40 is actually cheaper than all of the Canon models, but it is also the least advanced of all of these options. Still, even the D40 can produce fantastic images. The only thing that it really misses compared to the rest, is that it only has 6 megapixels. This matters if you want to create large prints (larger than a full page) but otherwise it's not that important - the number of pixels says nothing about image quality.

If you have the opportunity, compare some of these cameras in your hands at a camera shop. You might find that you prefer the way a particular brand feels or works. If so, let that be the deciding factor, because this image quality and the important functions are the same with all (five!) of these cameras.

If price alone is the deciding factor, I would get the Nikon D40. It is perfectly good and it is the cheapest of the bunch. This would leave the most money for (extra) lenses or other items.

Which is the best choice for an entry level photographer?

Q. Hi, friends out there. Can anyone please help me which DSLR should i go for?

SONY Alpha 200 or CANON EOS 1000.

Please have a look at my photographing need at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mathan/

And tell me the PROS and CONS of both these models. And also the price of both in INDIA, esp CHENNAI please.

Answer
Since there are so few current lenses for the Sony, Canon would be the best choice here. Add to that, the vast number of "legacy" used lenses available for the Canon system (since 1988), you will increase your chances of building a Canon system faster for less money.

I have no knowledge of the cost of such cameras in India.

Comparing side by side.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos1000d,sony_dslra200&show=all

You will also see that the Sony attempts to use a image stabilization scheme that involves using the cameras sensor, a compromises since each focal length of a lens needs a different kind of compensation ... this is why the two companies who make professional grade DSLR's use specially designed elements in the lenses that will benefit the most using a kind of IS (called VR on Nikon lenses). In the case of both Nikon and Canon, the IS/VR can be shut-off to speed up the auto-focus under certain conditions.

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How to clear a foggy camera lens?

Q. My Canon 18-55mm has fogged up from the inside. Is there any way to clear it up?
Or is it a goner?

Answer
If fogged on the - inside... just leave it somewhere dry and warm. A oven - NOT ON - but with just the inside light on, is a good choice.. Not out in the sun or something like that.. If too hot, plastic parts can and will warp.
.
Hopefully you will not have evaporation spots when the fog clears. If you do, it may require professional help. It may anyhow because lenses normally do not do this unless subjected to extreme humidity or direct moisture..

what is the best way to store an SLR camera and lens?

I just got a Nikon D3000. I love it but im really picky about keeping things nice and clean but want the camera to be best protected. im new to the SLR scene, Should i store the camera with the lens in the camera bag attached? separate? Thanks
I have caps for everything both the camera and lens. i bought a Nikon camera bag to help protect it. i was just a little worried about traveling with the lens in tacked with the camera. don't wanna break something. thanks for all your input. :)

Answer
First of all, never ever store your camer and lens in the camera bag when not using it for a long time, especially if you live in a humid climate.

It is advised to store your lens in places without stagnant air, or inside a dry cabinet with controled humidity level. Keeping it in a bag (or closet) will just invide fungus to grow on your lens.

If you live in a very dry climate then this may not apply, as long as you don't keep it for too long in your bag. As for whether to attached the lens, well, if you do not need to take it out, don't take it out, it will only make dust goes inside.

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