Saturday, September 5, 2009

camera advice and {SOOC} saturday

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I've been wanting to take photos of these flowers for donkey's* but every time I'm where they are, my camera isn't. But today, it was !! Aren't they magnificent. Oh, and the smell ! One day, I'm going to take a towel and my book and make a fool of myself by sitting in front of these peoples' house so I can read and smell these flowers for hours !! Maybe I should just find out what they are and plant my own !!

... visit Melody for more SOOC Saturday ...

~~~

So ....

I need your advice !!

There is a possibility of me getting a DSLR ... sometime between now and the end of the year. I'm busy researching and trying to figure out what is the best one for me. I have a few options. The Canon EOS1000D is available to me to get with points from our credit card ... meaning I'd pay nothing for it. The other option is to use our points to get vouchers for a store that sells cameras. I wouldn't have enough to pay for the whole thing but at least half ... and then I could choose the camera. I'm leaning towards Nikon ... maybe the D90. But, I'm still open ...

What do you use ? And what lenses do you have ? What would you recommend ? I'm upgrading from a point and shoot so I think anything will be an improvement but I'd like to hear your thoughts ...

~~~

*short for donkey's years ... definition here

23 comments:

Mari September 5, 2009 at 12:13 AM  

That picture is beautiful! Good luck with your camera purchase. I wish I had some advice but that's the kind of thing I'm trying to learn myself!

jane September 5, 2009 at 12:36 AM  

first i looove that picture. second- i can´t really help you because i use a pentax- which i love... but i know everyone leans towards canons and nikons. when deciding check out the camera´s sensors. and what lenses they make- the lenses are more important than the camera. sorry i can´t be more help.

Cheri September 5, 2009 at 1:24 AM  

We have a DSLR camera and ours is a Pentax also. We love ours and I would agree that the lenses are more important than brand.
You'll love whichever one you go with!

Dorte September 5, 2009 at 3:58 AM  

Gorgeous photo Bonnie :-)
Until about ½ year ago I was using a Casio EX-Z1000 which I liked quite a lot, but as I have become more and more interested in photography I wanted a camera that could do some more than just basic point-and-shoot and I was really considering the Canon and Nikons which are so popular. However, I also like to be able to carry my camera with me most of the time and also thought that maybe I was not yet ready for the DSLR and all those lenses, so I went for a panasonic dmc-fz28 which I am very happy with. I found this camera by studying flickr and photos that I liked to see what cameras were used a.o. I reckon that my next camera may be a DSLR but for now I am learning with my panasonic :-)

Bush Family September 5, 2009 at 4:52 AM  

Hi...you don't know me but I enjoy reading your blog:) My advice on the camera issue is go with the Canon. Nikon's are great but anymore all the professional photographers I know have Canon's. I think you get just as good of a camera for less money if you go with the Canon:) I LOVE mine...they have better models out there now (mines a Rebel XTi) and I wish we would have opted for a better lens when we bought ours cause I hate that it doesn't zoom far and I am looking into getting a new lens, but for the most part I really enjoy it. If you have any questions feel free to ask me - bushdsbus@aol.com! Have a great day - love the picture:)

A Vision Splendid September 5, 2009 at 6:22 AM  

Hi Bonnie,
We have one of the original DSLR - the Canon 300D. We had a canon SLR so we got the same in digital because we wanted to interchange the lenses.
We mostly use the lens that came with the camera, but for flowers, bees and things requiring great greater detail we use a macro lens.
You can get good Canon lens or there are cheaper alternatives such as Sigma. The canon lens really are a better investment though.
Our friends have a Pentax and it is great too. I think whatever you buy these days will be great quality if you stick to the well know brands.

Happy Hunting - it's very exciting to have a new world opening up to you!
Michelle

Amy September 5, 2009 at 7:55 AM  

Firstly, WOO HOO!!!! I am so green with envy, but just smiling wide and celebrating with you!

I am going to love all these comments, because I have the same deligma... canon or nikon.. and what to start with! O yes!

I don't know when my day will be, but I know God knows every desire of our hearts.. and so so excited that yours is coming to fruition!

hugs.. Amy

A Captured Reflection September 5, 2009 at 10:11 AM  

Exciting options Bonnie! I have a cheaper digi camera a SONY Super steady Shot 5.1 Mega Pixels. Hubby doesn't have a DLSR but he is a very good photographer and is pro Canon - he has a Canon EOS 300X - it takes heaps of photos, actually I think it may be digital..here's the link
http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos300x.aspx

Happy shopping.

Anonymous September 5, 2009 at 10:16 AM  

Love the gorgeous flower!!!! and ALBEIT, it smells great!

As you know Jeff just surprised me with the Nikon D60 and as for the lens? I just use the one that it came with, the 18-55mm.

Jeff said that the only difference between the D60 and the D90 was the price!

I think you DO an incredible job with the Digital Still Camera you know! I can only imagine what you'll do with the Digital SLR.

sunnymama September 5, 2009 at 10:28 AM  

Gorgeous picture of the flowers! Good job you had your camera with you finally. :)

Anonymous September 5, 2009 at 3:11 PM  

Pardon me but CRAP! If you are capturing images SOOC such as this, you're good with any brand camera.

Gorgeous. Looks like a bridal bouquet.

T'lia September 5, 2009 at 3:21 PM  

Bonnie, I'm a canon girl.

I have a canon 400D.
I am really, really, really wanting to upgrade to the Canon 7D though- BUT I know a lot of people recommend the 450D.

Lens':
Tokina 19mm-35mm wide angle
Canon 28mm-90mm (I use this lens the most- it's perfect for portraits etc)
Sigma 70mm-300mm (great for close-up shots etc)
Canon 28mm-90mm (yes another one!)

I really love canon- it's a well known, trusted brand. THere's a large variety of lens available too. DIfferent brands, as you can see.

When you get one i really recommend getting some skylight filters (these protect your lens)- in fact, I have one that you can have!

Also, the reason I chose to go with Canon is because our wedding photographer uses a Nikon and he said that he wished that he'd bought Canon...

Khrista September 5, 2009 at 4:50 PM  

For now I will recommend you go with either Canon or Nikon. No offense to those with other brands. I will elaborate soon.
I love my Canon! But know a lot of people who use and love Nikon too! I would go with the vouchers and get exactly what you want because you will use that camera you purchase for a while. I used my Canon 20D for 4 years before upgrading. And it had two models replace it in that time span! :) I still have it too...I can't seem to part with it just yet!

Jewelz September 5, 2009 at 6:39 PM  

Bonnie...Jewelz from http://smashingcups.blogspot.com/
dropping by from Melody's @ Slurping Life.

Your capture is BEAUTIFUL!

A new camera is only going to increase the number of amazing SOOC shots you take.
Being a photoshop wizard is one thing. Taking Amazing SOOC shots is completely different thing.

Why set yourself up for hours of editing (unless you are playing LOL) if you can just take fantastic SOOC shot straight up...less time editing more time to be out their taking great shots!

I'm a Canon Girl...most of the professionals that I associate with are Canon devotee's...and if they're not, they are Canon.

Those who have said it's the choice of lenses is most crucial...I agree with.

I got my first DSLR 2 years ago...lower level entry than the top of the line Bodies to begin with for me...Why? because I wanted to get to know Canon from the ground up, so I got a Rebel400D, it has been superseded and the 'equivalent', two years down the track has better improved features....now that I know my camera fairly well I'm at the point where I am ready to upgrade...I'll have a spare body incase anything happens to my NEW fancier model ((the one I have on my wish list that is LOL))
Nothing made me more glad I'd started with the cheaper model to make my entry with than last week, when taking some shots for a Dramatic Arts event at our cultural center, I stumbled in the dark on my tripods legs and my camera tumbled down a set of the auditoriums stairs~face planted the floor of the auditorium, and it's lens rolled sadly to a stop 10 feet from my camera!!!! (((BIG GASPS from everyone, then uncomfortable silence whilst I assessed the damage))) My general purpose lens was stuffed BUT my camera is fine{{{sigh of relief}}}.....it was at that point right there, that I was glad I started off with a cheaper Canon Model, than going the whole hog from the begining! That's my two cents worth.
Good luck with your decision making process...and what ever camera you choose...ENJ♡Y

Cheers
Jewelz

Jewelz September 5, 2009 at 8:54 PM  

ooops...I didn't proof read that too well....I mixed up my There and Their (((Shame))) and I said the professionals I know use Canon...or Canon {{{DOH}}}
what I should have written was Canon...or Nikon!
...it's been a LOOOOONG week, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it LOL

Cheers
Jewelz

Floortime Lite Mama September 5, 2009 at 9:02 PM  

STUNNING
I know nothing about cameras so I wont waste your time with my advice

puna September 5, 2009 at 10:09 PM  

Wow, you already take amazing photos, I can't imagine what you would do with a DSLR! I have a Nikon D40, my very first DSLR and I absolutely love it. So something Nikon would be my pick. I would love a Nikon D700 but that's a little ambitious for me right now.

Lisa September 5, 2009 at 10:15 PM  

Pretty!

Arizaphale September 5, 2009 at 10:32 PM  

Well if you can take pics like that with your PAS why bother with a DSLR???????? :-)
Seriously, beautiful shot.

~m September 6, 2009 at 1:56 AM  

A.MAZ.ING.~ I have to agree with Melody(@ slurping life) ... if this is your SOOC game, you could use a pin-hole in a cardboard box and get great images.

Me? I use Canon. When I played with each of the brands, it was what felt best in my hands. The buttons were intuitive for me. Go with the camera that is easiest for you to use and the one that you keep going back to because then you will use it more and THAT will will make you a better photographer in the end.

Pam D September 6, 2009 at 2:33 AM  

Absolutely beautiful; it proves that when you've got "it", the equipment is just icing. I used a Fuji FinePix for 5 years; got a Canon Rebel XSi in March of this year. The lenses are the biggie, really; when I got a 50mm 1.4, it did make a big difference in my "people" shots. You'll figure it out, and you'll do fabulous with whatever you get!

Rachel September 6, 2009 at 1:16 PM  

WOW - amazing shot!

Looks like I shoot a popular one with your readers... I'm with Pam D - I have a Canon Rebel XSi - but haven't upgraded to her nice lens yet. It is totally worth it and we got a MAJOR deal using the Costco online sale ($400 off plus a free zoom lens).

Though I'm agreeing with the rest of the folk who think you're gonna be blowing us out of the water if those are your current point-and-shoot shots! :)

Stacy September 8, 2009 at 11:18 AM  

Wow, another great flower shot! These are so very pretty and love that they are fragrant, too. Just lovely. :)

As for the camera and lenses, you can't go wrong with either of your choices. For lenses I like to have a 50mm f1.8 lens, but also a wide angle lens, too. For sports shooting for the kids you will need a longer one, too.
There are always new lenses that you will need. ;)


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