photography examples and learning

Originally Posted by Filipe M.

Don't get me wrong, it is a valid opinion, just one that didn't seem to make much sense for people who are just dipping their toes in the DSLR world. Kit lenses are supposed to make life simpler for people who want to try DSLRs without the grief of having to choose / buy separate lenses and the compatibility issues that may arise, because, let's face it, not every lens from a given manufacturer will work with every camera from that same manufacturer.

Fair point!

Originally Posted by lynw

I would say no if I had some semblance of what you were talking about All I get is different modes: landscape, night, portrait etc. Ive tried messing about with different settings but in all honesty, the screen at the back is so small I dont really know how the pic has come out until I upload them on to the pc. Did I mention Im totally clueless about this subject? I will try focusing on a lighter part of the sky and see how we go

Nothing wrong with being technically clueless at this stage, you're making up for it in the composition department

The exes camera Im fairly sure was a powershot model but not entirely sure which. I liked it - I think the pics I took were ok - the butterfly ones certainly came out better than I anticipated.

Canon Powershots are usually okay, as are Panasonic Lumix. I'd say it's usually hard to find one that doesn't work as it should if you stick to those brands. I've been playing a bit with my dad's Panasonic TZ7 and it surprised me quite a lot, but then again it's a fairly expensive toy (for a compact, that is).

What I do want is a camera that takes 4 batteries - the finepix that is mine is so annoying that it eats batteries and I end up battling with it to take pics and cant easily change them (eg on horse back in the middle of a herd of zebra).

So Im guessing something along those lines. That said, has anyone seen whether the HD cameras are any good? saw those advertised in the States and wonder if they live up to the hype.

Are you using rechargeable batteries? They can be a pain, but they will usually give you more lifespan than normal alkaline batteries.
DSLRs will use proprietary batteries, which again can be a pain, but they'll give you more pics per charge than the average compact due to having much bigger batteries.

The "HD" thingy in the new generation cameras refers to the video capabilities only, it has nothing to do with the photo part of the equation. It simply means they are able to go beyond the average 320x240 / 640x480 video modes and will do something that can be classified as HD, either 720p or 1080i.

Originally Posted by boot

Expensive kit is great if you can afford it, but it won't make you take better pictures.

If a seasoned pro-photographer took a disposable camera out to shoot, and a complete novice with no photographic skill or knowledge took the best kit money could buy out to shoot, who do you think would take the most captivating images?

Learning how to use the kit you have and what makes a good photograph is the most part of the battle. Once you've mastered those, it may be worth spending more. But the more kit you have, the more you'll want to take with you, until you realise that travelling light can often (not always) offer more advantage.

What he said ^
I might just get me a disposable camera from Tesco this eve, if they still sell them of course?

Originally Posted by BournemouthBen

What he said ^
I might just get me a disposable camera from Tesco this eve, if they still sell them of course?

Good luck finding one still inside the expiration date

But he really is right!

I am tempted to get a DSLR to start learning. This thread is really interesting, well done to Kwak for starting it and thanks to Fillipe and the rest of the guys with the knowledge for an interesting read.

personally i know naff all about taking good photos but was sick to death of attending superbike meets and coming away with disappointing shots the reason i got an a230 was that its a starter DSLR and i hope i can learn with it and get better.

What MBK said its intresting to hear what people think and to pick up pointers

I've found the help and pointers on here really helpful, cheers guys

I love playing with the DSLR I chose (Canon EOS 1000D).
Its opened up a new world and perspective on things in photography

Yes they are fairly costly to first set yourself up, but look at it as an investment for your memories

Originally Posted by speedplay

I've found the help and pointers on here really helpful, cheers guys

I love playing with the DSLR I chose (Canon EOS 1000D).
Its opened up a new world and perspective on things in photography

Yes they are fairly costly to first set yourself up, but look at it as an investment for your memories

If you don't mind me asking, how much was your camera?? Really tempted.

Originally Posted by Milky Bar Kid

If you don't mind me asking, how much was your camera?? Really tempted.

With what Jenn got for my birthday and the extras I bought the next day, £600 (bar a few pence) and still got a great deal