DSLR Cameras and Photography Forums?

Kosko · #1 11-26-2009, 09:31 AM

So this all started because I'm going to Europe in May, and my current camera takes crappy pictures. The pictures are actually sharp, but they lack color, and the flash just washes out pictures entirely.

In highschool we had used full manual 35mm film; processing film and using chemicals and all that fun stuff. Fast forward 8 years and the current DSLR cameras seem awesome. All the benefits of the film cameras, but no chemicals or film.

I'm looking at the Nikon d90 specifically, it seems to be the best midrange model. It is a hell of an investment though for something that is much more to carry around than a small Point and Shoot. But probably would just get the body, and buy a f/1.4 lens to start. That way when going to shows, I could actually take a good shot; or at least some kind of shot.

Yet, at the same time, point and shoots are rising in quality. The Canon S90 looks like a real contender in photography, and it fits in your pocket. I've been looking at the LX3 a bit as well. The two mentioned here can even to +2/-2 3 shot bracketing (which is the same as the Nikon d90!). It may be cliche, but I want to try HDR photography.

Of course, just by the laws of physics, Bokeh shots can't be as nice as a DSLR. And I really do find depth of field to be one of the most fun parts of photography.

So talkbass is of the premiere forums for bassists round these parts, as far as I be knownin. Now, I'm wondering, are there similar forums for photography; with classifieds that are trustworthy? Anyone around here active in photography?

I know a thread comes through every now and again showcasing photography. For those that have (or had) a DSLR, was it a worthwhile investment?

Trevorus · #2 11-26-2009, 09:36 AM

I have heard that Nikon's mid-line DSLR's aren't built that solidly case wise. I can't say from first hand experience, but a friend of mine who is a Nikon nut even doesn't like them too much which is because the body flexes in the hand, he says. I personally use Canon EOS series cameras, and I am hoping to be able to snag a 50D in the near future. My main cam is a 350D/RebelXT which is a bit older, but takes phenomenal shots. One of the things to remember in the DSLR market, good glass can make an older body (like mine) take amazing shots. Of course, getting the instinct for shot setup and lighting and such is something to get in your head as well. I would also invest in a separate flash, one that can be angled in all different directions, so inside shots can be done with some indirect flash. A diffuser would also help a ton.

Sterling_Bass · #3 11-26-2009, 09:37 AM

Check out cameralabs.com for reviews and tips. I've been checking out that site for the past few months. I want to get into DSLR photography and have been contemplating between the Nikon D3000 and D5000. Places like Costco and Sam's Club have the best prices on kits.

geeza · #4 11-26-2009, 09:56 AM

Check out this link:
http://www.dpreview.com/

Sterling_Bass · #5 11-26-2009, 10:30 AM

That's a great one, too.

Kosko · #6 11-26-2009, 10:50 AM

Yea I've been lurking around dpreview for a while. I've even put together different baskets on bhphoto... various configurations of kits, lenses, bags, stands...

But I'm really curious about used gear as well. I mean look how many basses go up everyday here. Is there anything similar for photo gear?

guitar ed · #7 11-26-2009, 11:06 AM

Hi Kosko,

I have a few thoughts for you.

1) If you go the DSLR route, what ever brand you start with is the brand you are likely to stay with. The reason, as you add lenses, it becomes to expensive to switch to another brand if you want to replace all of those lenses. So choose wisely.

2) That said, I am a Nikon fan. There is a Nikon community, nikonians.com. The people there can give you all kinds of information on the Nikon gear. Other brands, not so much.

As for my Nikons, I have found them to be robust & good at taking pictures. I started with a D50 and found no problems with the body being fragile.

Take care,

edg

tplyons · #8 11-26-2009, 11:22 AM

I'm on photography-on-the.net. It's a Canon forum but they welcome all photographers. Just don't expect too much support on the gear end, but rather the technique end.

I'm still shooting an old Canon EOS 20D but I love it. Not too many bells and whistles to be caught up in. The only problem is that my P&S is higher resolution, but I've got far more control with this puppy.

CrashClint · #9 11-26-2009, 12:31 PM

I have a Nikon D80 and absolutely love it. I am hoping to get 300mm zoom for Christmas.

Munjibunga · #10 11-26-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevorus

I have heard that Nikon's mid-line DSLR's aren't built that solidly case wise. I can't say from first hand experience, but a friend of mine who is a Nikon nut even doesn't like them too much which is because the body flexes in the hand, he says. I personally use Canon EOS series cameras, and I am hoping to be able to snag a 50D in the near future. My main cam is a 350D/RebelXT which is a bit older, but takes phenomenal shots. One of the things to remember in the DSLR market, good glass can make an older body (like mine) take amazing shots. Of course, getting the instinct for shot setup and lighting and such is something to get in your head as well. I would also invest in a separate flash, one that can be angled in all different directions, so inside shots can be done with some indirect flash. A diffuser would also help a ton.

I have a Nikon D70s and a D90, and I have no idea what this "flexing" stuff is about. Even when I mount an 80-200 f2.8 or 300 f2.8 (big) they are solid. It sounds very mysterious, even bogus, to me.

burk48237 · #11 11-26-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

I have a Nikon D70s and a D90, and I have no idea what this "flexing" stuff is about. Even when I mount an 80-200 f2.8 or 300 f2.8 (big) they are solid. It sounds very mysterious, even bogus, to me.

I'm with you, I've always run Nikon from old F4's and F100's to D 70's to my recently acquired D300. One thing I've never questioned is the durability. For years the Cannon guys (in their mid range stuff) had the more technologically advanced stuff that wasn't as durable. Nikon has always made the heavy durable stuff with Cannon making the lighter techie stuff. I'm still not that impressed by the rebel line.

But up until about two years ago I would have readily admitted Cannon was ahead in digital sensor tech. then the D90 and the D300 hit, now Cannon has been playing catch up. The 12mp sensors in both cameras have impressive dynamic range and actually yield results better then some of the competitions 15-18mp cameras. They also have superior auto focus systems Cannon has caught up this fall in the dynamic range area with the 7D, but it's auto focus still isn't as accurate as the D300. The tech war is good for users of either system, competition produces good things for consumers. My 300 yields results at 800 ISO hand held that I would have needed 25 ISO with a tripod ten years ago. And Nikon just introduced a D3S that they are claiming gives enlargeble quality images at up 102,400 ISO!

As far as forums another good one is www.fredmiranda.com

My photos are up at www.michigan-images.com

Trevorus · #12 11-26-2009, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

I have a Nikon D70s and a D90, and I have no idea what this "flexing" stuff is about. Even when I mount an 80-200 f2.8 or 300 f2.8 (big) they are solid. It sounds very mysterious, even bogus, to me.

Very possible considering the source. Like I said, I have no experience at all with Nikon DSLR. Thanks for the heads up.