Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 9:06 pm
Carol, before you decide which camera to put on your Christmas list, make sure it has everything you need and want. I don't really keep up on the differences in features from camera to camera but here are some things to keep in mind. Your new camera absolutely must be able to display a histogram for each shot. The histogram will show you graphically whether your whites are blown out or your blacks have unrecoverable data. You need a decent size LCD screen on it. I think most of the new ones now do but on my old 10D, it is tiny, barely adequate. Noise should be supressed at high ISO levels. If you shoot slow shutter speed stuff you want a low ISO setting. In my film days, I would shoot waterfalls using Kodachrome 25. I wish my Canon 40D has an ISO setting less than 100.
Next, consider the lens. Most of the Canon and Nikon cameras come with satisfactory kit lenses but, expensive lenses are expensive for a reason. When I bought my first "L" glass from Canon (17-40) I couldn't believe the difference. I was so impressed that I sold all my old lenses and bought "L" lenses. In addition to the 17-40 I have the 24-70, 70-200 and the 180mm macro and 400 telephoto. I took me a long time to get this collection but it is worth every penny. The 17-40 and 70 - 200 cost between $500 and $700. So, consider buying the body only without the kit lens and buy the best lens you can afford.
Accessories. There are two indispensable accessories in my view. First, you absolutely have to get a hot shoe mounted bubble level. I've seen lots of otherwise excellent photos with slanted horizons. If they aren't straight when you make the exposure, you have to straighten them in Photoshop and that may cause you to have to remove important parts of the shot. You also need a shutter release cable. I use a tripod for about 99% of my photos. I don't want to risk camera shake because I have my hand on the camera.
If you don't have a tripod, you must get a reasonably good one. You don't have to pay the big bucks for a Gitzo. I have a Manfrotto and I'm very happy with it. I also recommend a Swiss Arca stype ball head and an L bracket that lets you switch from landscape to portrait without having to recompose the shot. My is from Kirk but Really Right Stuff has good ones too.
The trouble with photography is that it isn't cheap but maybe Santa Claus thinks you've been a really good girl this year. : )
Next, consider the lens. Most of the Canon and Nikon cameras come with satisfactory kit lenses but, expensive lenses are expensive for a reason. When I bought my first "L" glass from Canon (17-40) I couldn't believe the difference. I was so impressed that I sold all my old lenses and bought "L" lenses. In addition to the 17-40 I have the 24-70, 70-200 and the 180mm macro and 400 telephoto. I took me a long time to get this collection but it is worth every penny. The 17-40 and 70 - 200 cost between $500 and $700. So, consider buying the body only without the kit lens and buy the best lens you can afford.
Accessories. There are two indispensable accessories in my view. First, you absolutely have to get a hot shoe mounted bubble level. I've seen lots of otherwise excellent photos with slanted horizons. If they aren't straight when you make the exposure, you have to straighten them in Photoshop and that may cause you to have to remove important parts of the shot. You also need a shutter release cable. I use a tripod for about 99% of my photos. I don't want to risk camera shake because I have my hand on the camera.
If you don't have a tripod, you must get a reasonably good one. You don't have to pay the big bucks for a Gitzo. I have a Manfrotto and I'm very happy with it. I also recommend a Swiss Arca stype ball head and an L bracket that lets you switch from landscape to portrait without having to recompose the shot. My is from Kirk but Really Right Stuff has good ones too.
The trouble with photography is that it isn't cheap but maybe Santa Claus thinks you've been a really good girl this year. : )