alright, 2 part post.


I have always liked photography, but never really got into it. I was wondering if you all would recommend a photography class. I take tons of pics, but would like some guidance on being more refined in my picture taking. If not a class, then what. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, i'm looking for a nicer digital camera for myself. I really would like to keep it in the 500-700 range, but I'm not very experienced in camera buying, and i want the options of being able to do close ups and decent distance shots. Any suggestions?


Thanks

Duck

 

For cameras , you can go with the Nikon D50 or the Canon Rebel XT.

just browse around this forum and ask questions to learn more.
you can also, look in to local classes in your community. Check your local camera shops.

 

i just picked up a Nikon D50 w/Nikkor lens at CompUSA for $599. Deal ends Feb 4.

 

A DSLR would give you the most flexibilty, but for your budget, a good point and shoot would probably be a better suggestion.

Something along the lines of the Canon PowerShot S2 would be a very flexible tool for about $500. Get some memory, a good tripod, and a nice bag with the remaining budget and you'll have an excellent kit.

I've recommended the S2 to several people and all have been very pleased with it. The focal range is excellent (36mm to 432mm equiv), it has an image stabilizer that works even in movie mode, plus a crazy macro mode that will let you focus up to 0mm (i.e. actually touching the lens).

A DSLR kit is going to be very expensive if you're trying to duplicate the range of the S2.
To give you an idea of what you'd be getting into, here's a quick list:
Canon Rebel XT w/18-55mm lens - $879.95
Sigma 105mm macro lens - $379.00
Sigma 50-500mm telezoom - $969.00
Total: $2227.95
(prices from www.bhphotovideo.com)

And with that, you'd lose the image stabilizer and movie mode. The Rebel setup is of course a better optical system, but you'd have to evaluate your needs to see if it's worth the tradeoffs.

 

thanks, i looked at the S2 and liked best. I found some classes at ECU.

 

Can Canon S2 achieve shallow DOF without going into macro mode?

 

Not really. That's a function of the sensor size. Most things will be in focus at any aperture.

 

Those are also new prices. Check out Ebay and craiglist for used rebels and you can save a bunch of money. Also the 50-500 is huge. Personally I'd recommend:

Canon Rebel or Rebel XT used online- $500-600ish
Canon EF-S 17-85 IS lens- $350-$500 used or new.
Canon 70-200 F4L- $500ish
Canon 50mm 1.8 prime. Really cheap on ebay.
Speedlight flash-$200ish
Bag- $50ish
Tripod- $100-200 (Dont cheap out ont he tripod. A good one is key)
Memory- $100ish
Total: $1875-$2100

As you can see it adds up fast, but it's worth it if you ask me.

James

 

If you're just starting out, I'd recommend getting yourself a small little pocket camera.
I have the Casio EX-750, but there are plenty of other worthy small cameras.

Play with it, and explore your artistic vision. If you then feel like making the plunge,then you can upgrade to a DSLR and go nuts with that.

The reason I recommend that route is that a small camera and a DLR make a very useful combination. If you get a mid-sized mid-powered camera, then that's good, but then if you upgrade to a DSLR, I doubt you'll ever used the mid sized camera again. You're not going to want to carry both of them around with you.

 

well, i bought the S2, but my comp at home took the old dead-gone shuffle and crashed. So i cant post any pics yet, but i get a new one this weekend/next week, so hopefully i'll get some stuff up.

Took the classes at a college, figured it couldnt hurt to learn some. Got some great insight. Best of all, it was only 6 weeks and only cost $110.

 

The S2 is a great camera, you're going to get a lot of use out of it.

 

Ditto. I had the S1 and was looking at the S3, but went with the Rebel instead.

Have fun.