Camera Questions?!'s Journal [entries|friends|calendar] Camera Questions?! [ userinfo | livejournal userinfo ] [ calendar | livejournal calendar ]

[22.12.09 @ 5:33pm] xxmisssassyxx I've always been interested in photography! a few years ago i used to take pics with a polaroid! :( I dont know anything about DSLR cameras so i was wondering what would be the best to get for a beginner like myself I have no preference on what brand just that its fairly easy to use! P.S. i'll be doing mainly landscape Photos and the odd portrait if that helps!  5 % ??◄▬▬☺

[20.12.09 @ 6:17pm] queersavior  i have a panasonic hvx 200 that my macbook isnt recognizing so i can't upload video. has anyone had any trouble like this? 8 % ??◄▬▬☺

[9.12.09 @ 2:43am] natlongrox does anyone know if a sigma 70-30mm f4-5.6 apo dg macro, sigma 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 dg macro and tamron 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 xr di 2 ld aspherical (IF) will be able to fit my 500d? and whether it'll have auto focus functions? i'm really new and thinking abt gettin a third party lens but i'm unsure. PLEASE HELP! 11 % ??◄▬▬☺

[2.12.09 @ 4:00pm] natlongrox I just bought a 50mm f1.8. and i was wondering what do people usually use to shoot with that lens. unlike my kit lens, i realised that 50mm is more suitable for taking objects. even so, i am having difficulty taking things near me. i often have to back away abit for it to focus. i was thinking of getting a close up filter. Will a x4 close up filter enable me to take things nearer? and what do people usually shoot with a 50mm lens? 4 % ??◄▬▬☺

flash question [29.11.09 @ 2:05am] dextrocardia I have a Canon Powershot S5IS. a couple months ago the flash stopped working completely. everything else is fine with the camera so I just figured the bulb went out. I went to Ritz camera (the only camera store I know about in my area) and they told me I would have to send my whole camera back to Canon and pay an obscene amount of money just for them to change a 5 dollar bulb and said it really wasn't worth it. I mainly use my camera at night so it is pretty useless to me now. is there any way I can change it myself? have any of you guys experienced this before? 5 % ??◄▬▬☺

bracketing- ur doin eet wrong? [28.11.09 @ 1:48pm] grygon First, it's thanks to this group that I got off my duff and started to learn the MASP! :) So far I find the S easiest as what's so hard to know about shutter speed? You need fast for daylights, and slows for dark places... easy. But I need to figure out the others, too. Still, what a difference in my photos from just taking control of the shutter speed!!! Finally I think that some of my photos are going to come out the way I WANT them to come out. :) Thank you guys so much. Now, I am doing something wrong with my bracketing. I was shooting all morning in shutter-priority and manual focus and I had the BKT set to WB. And I toggled back and forth in the WB settings frm cloudy to shade all morning. I got 3 images for each shot but there is NO difference from the 1st to the 3rd. What did I do wrong? I am shooting with a Nikon D70 and the lens is a Sigma 28-90mmD Aspherical, if that helps. 3 % ??◄▬▬☺

Low light performane of HD camcorders shooting in SD? [23.11.09 @ 12:22pm] maxmin I know that HD camcorders in general require more light than comparable SD camcorders, due to the light being divided up among many more pixels, but what about HD camcorders when shooting in SD mode? When shooting SD with a HD camcorder are the pixels in someway combined so that the light received by each one is added together to produce more light reception by the lesser amount of combined pixels? Or when shooting SD are the extra pixels in essence thrown away, so regarding light levels/exposure you get the same as you would shooting HD? I hope that isn't phrased to idiotically, but to help I'll explain why I'm asking. I shoot live rock shows, so low-light performance is very important. Currently we shoot with SD camcorders, which is fine since 90% of what we produce is for online distribution only. But HD is becoming more and more the norm, and we'd like to produce more content with a high enough quality for DVD distribution or even just higher quality online distribution. So I'm looking into getting HD camcorders, but at least for times when I know that HD is not required I'm wondering if I can shoot with them in SD mode and get the improved low-light performance that you do from SD cameras? 3 % ??◄▬▬☺

lens cleaning cloths [23.11.09 @ 9:11am] grygon Is there anyway that maybe target, wal greens, wal mart, cvs or any other chain stores carry lens cleaning cloths and spray? I've never really had to clean to my lens, but these past few hundred pictures I've noticed that my lens flares have turned into rainbow smudges, so I guess I better start cleaning that lens! Our town has two camera stores but everyone I have ever talked to agrees- the customer serrvice and prices at both are so ridiculous that we will not support them or buy from them. So just looking at any other means to clean my lens here. I could order some cloths from an online store but as I have an upcoming shoot for this holiday weekend I'm a bit strapped for time. 10 % ??◄▬▬☺

[28.10.09 @ 4:06pm] queersavior  Hey all, first time poster and all that :) I was wondering if anyone had opinions on the best video cameras between the 3-5K range that could help me. I'm looking to buy by the end of the week but am completely overwhelmed by all the specs. What are you shooting on now and would you recommend it? Right now I'm looking between the Sony, Canon, and Panasonic models in comparable price ranges.  So the Sony HVR-V1U, the Panasonic AGH VX205, and the Canon XH-A1S are all around 3-4. Or, if I can pull it off, the Sony HVR-Z7U or the Canon XL-H1A. Any insights between these? I'm mostly wondering if you have any experience with the sound systems and lenses between the 3 brands? Also do you think the interchangeable lens feature is worth the high price of upgrading? I'm also looking for info that might not come up on the company's website. LIke if the camera doesn't have an interchangeable lens, will it support lens adapters or is there a filter ring? Or are any of the in camera effects spectacular or lacking? Is it awkward to use some of the features, ect. Basically anything about the specific models that you love or hate, that I can't find out from the pages of information I've been looking at.  I'm just starting out with my own videography services so there won't be tons of money for upgrades for a while, but I would rather upgrade a lens or an external mic than an entire camera. So I'm really looking for the highest quality in camera features that will work in the most situations, but still allow me to pimp it out in the future (sound quality, low-light scenarios and all of that). Thanks so much for you help in advance,  Abbey. also sorry, but this is x-posted everywhere ??◄▬▬☺

Which one? [21.10.09 @ 9:35pm] exonic I've been set on buying a Sony a330 for quite some time. I can get it for $520-ish with a $225 rebate, so total would be about $300, which sounds like a good deal. But then I started playing around with the Canons, and now I'm considering buying an XS (which would be about $475, but without a rebate). So would the Canon be worth the extra money? I know they are, but I'm hoping someone will tell me to just get the Sony, lol. I would love to jump right on up to a T1i, but there's no way I could afford it (honestly, I shouldn't be buying an slr at all). Opinions? 7 % ??◄▬▬☺

selling and buying cameras help. [20.10.09 @ 10:30pm] silentfilm well, hello. i'm just gonna cut to the chase. :P i bought a nikon d80 sometime around february of '08. i have three lenses for it; 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor lens, 70-300mm f/4-5.6G, and an AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm lens. to my knowledge, there are no scratches or anything on my body or lenses. there might be a little dust in some places but that's not anything that i can't clean up. now, i want to sell all of this. i have no idea what to price ANYTHING as. i figured that i should sell the lenses and the body separately. i don't have the usb cord that connects the camera to the computer. :/ could someone with a better knowledge of pricing help me out with this? and lastly, i am very interested in buying a canon 50d after i sell my nikon d80. could someone recommend a good basic lens for me? thanks! i appreciate all the help that i can get. :) 3 % ??◄▬▬☺

[18.10.09 @ 12:28am] alisonrobichaux Nikon n75 35mm film camera w/ lens for sale! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320436441827&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT 3 % ??◄▬▬☺

Help buying a camera! [16.10.09 @ 1:57pm] juliefoojojo87 I want to record video game footage. My PS3 runs into my VCR, which i want to have a camera record off of the VCR, and into a computer. I posted on craigslist that i'm looking for any camera that has an audio video in and out port, and i've gotten a couple replys.. I don't want to spend that much (it's just for a video game) and another problem; i don't know much about video cameras! First thing i thought of was to go to a live journal community where they specialize in that! the communities have always helped me out before! :D Here's the camera models (and prices) i was offered: Panasonic color model PK802 for 25$ (He says it comes with lots of wires, but sounds like he dosn't know what exactly the "wires" do) canon es190 440x digital zoom for 45$ Sony Model CCD-V8AFU for 75$ (he included a lot of pictures, including a picture of the camera's video in and out ports. I'm only using it for video games, and for recording off of the VCR to the computer. Do any of these cameras have that capability? Which would be the best option for my money? Should i just buy a used one off ebay or amazon? Or would you reccomend a different camera all together? I'm a camera newb, and i need some guidance! <3 2 % ??◄▬▬☺

looking for a macro lens for my Canon Rebel XSi [4.10.09 @ 8:37am] badkarma_one [ mood | hopeful ] Way back in the dark ages, I used a Canon AE-1 program. I loved that camera, but I don't want to deal with film any more. I really love the freedom and economy of digital -- no more paying for film, then paying again to develop wasted shots. I mostly used a 28-85 Vivitar macro zoom that was exactly what I needed for the photos I was shooting at that time (miniature setups, mostly). I've used different compact digitals in the intervening years (two different Olympus models, and am currently using a Canon A540, and that's a super little camera). But I missed the feel of a SLR in my hands, and the ability to change lenses. I bought a Canon Rebel XSi last summer, but have hardly used it (not due to the camera -- real life has interfered in too many ways since its purchase). I'm looking for a lens that would be similar to the Vivitar I had on the AE-1. Price is a consideration -- I'd rather not go over $300 (and would like to stay under $250, if possible). Any recommendations? 4 % ??◄▬▬☺

Flashes and lenses [3.10.09 @ 7:21pm] grygon Holy cow... there are SO MANY lenses and flashes out there that can compatible with Nikon D70. I really need some help narrowing this down. :( I'd like both to be under $200 and I don't mean $199. ;) Lens... I shoot a TON of stuff but I guess some versatility in the lens would be nice? If there is such a thing. I'd like it to at least be able to do portraits (so fast...?) with a little wider angle if possible? Maybe some macro included? Flash... I'm not really sure what to ask for in a flash... I was looking at this guy: http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541536660.htm Can it's light pivot up and down? So I won't blind people if taking their portrait? Otherwise I'd like a flash that... doesn't leave obvious "flash shadows" if that makes sense. I've seen people's photos who have a BLINDING flash and yet their photos look awesome. :) I want that. :( 17 % ??◄▬▬☺

[24.9.09 @ 3:26pm] cabrioles So I'm getting a new lens for my birthday. Basically, I know I want one with a large aperture. Here are the two I've narrowed it down to: AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Now the obvious difference between them is the 35mm vs. 50mm, and I would prefer the 50mm. However, I own a D40, in which the 50mm one would not be able to autofocus. Then again, the one that can autofocus, the 35mm one, is more expensive. So, I was just wondering which do you think would be the better choice? Should I forsake autofocus because I prefer the 50mm lens? Thank you :) 9 % ??◄▬▬☺

Which Camera Should I Buy? [18.9.09 @ 2:38am] flipflopkitty I'm graduating this October and I've decided to get myself a nifty DSLR as a graduation present to myself. I've narrowed my choices down to three cameras: Nikon D3000 or D5000 or Canon 450D. I actually have a preference for Nikon cameras but I tossed the Canon in there for good measure. The D3000 and the 450D have roughly the same price (from my source anyway) and naturally, the D5000 is slightly more expensive than the two. My dilemma is... The D3000 is cheaper but it doesn't have Live View like the D5000 and the 450D (as a beginner, I'm sure I'm going to need it). But the plus side with the D3000 is that it has that new Guide mode feature (which I might need as well). Any suggestions? 4 % ??◄▬▬☺

Canon 450D and lenses [11.9.09 @ 10:58am] technicolorpuff I think I've decided on getting a Canon 450D for my first ever DSLR... However, I've heard that most standard kit lenses are not up to par. So I'm wondering which one to get instead if this indeed the truth? Though I finally got the hang of most DSLR and photography terms (and loving it) I don't know jack about lenses... I'm currently looking at a great online local website that has several options on body + lens. Which one would be best? Also, some tips on lenses would be very much appreciated. And anyone know any cons about the Canon 450D that I should know before I buy one? Next to that is there a similar camera that you would advise over the Canon 450D? 3 % ??◄▬▬☺

[25.8.09 @ 8:43pm] poo I have my dad's old Minolta XG 9 whose film advance lever is stuck (it moves freely, like it would normally when ready, but won't reset). It was on the automatic setting on accident when I cocked it and fired the shutter release. The mirror is down, as is the shutter, and the shutter release button is soft. Everything *usually* works correctly (it has while I've used it, I can't speak for before that). Would I be right in assuming that because it was on automatic and that the batteries are dead (woops) that changing them will correct the problem? What else can I do? I really want to save this camera! Also: for those of you that buy black and white film/black and white photo paper - what brands do you use? Where do you buy and what are the prices like? I'm using freestylephoto.biz for my Ilford products and I just dropped 90 dollars on six rolls and 100 sheets. 1 % ??◄▬▬☺

camera suggestions [23.8.09 @ 3:23pm] doni_dyke01 [ mood | tired ] I'm looking to get my hands on a camcorder. What I'm looking for: -Decent recording time -Hard Drive or DVD -Decent battery life -Good sound -Good in low light What do I mean by good sound? I plan to use this camera in all sorts of situations, including concerts, so I don't want to deal with sound distortion when I record. High Def is a plus, but not absolutely necessary. A good consumer sized camera will do nicely. I'm looking in the $700 range. Know any good ones? Edit: I plan on getting a Mac sometime in the not-too-distant future, and from what I've read, Macs don't read .mod (I think it's the .mod) file format. Apparently, JVC cameras save in that particular format. Any truth to what I found out, or do I not have anything to worry? 1 % ??◄▬▬☺

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