jet_tilton

September 11, 2010

thanks for all of the advice! Sarah does has a valid point, if my camera were to fail, it would be easy to reschedule, and offer a discount if and when that were to ever happen. My only concern would be a shoot I have coming up where some of the family members are coming from across town for this, and I would hate for anything to happen, especially if they have taken the time to be there for this family/baby shoot.

A film body would be nice, but it seems that another digital body would make more sense. But I sure would love to have a lens with a wider reach, or even the 100mm macro! I guess my main concern is developing a reputation as a photographer who is serious about his work, and would not want bad word-of-mouth to ruin me before i even get started.

September 11, 2010

I'm currently using a Canon XSi, have some paid work coming up, using mostly my Canon 50mm f1.4 lens for senior portraits (non yearbook) and also family/baby shoots. Budget is limited but the more I read this forum, the more I realize that I definitely need a backup body, even for small shoots that are paying jobs. Have a dilemna:

1. Do I get a newer body, such as the rebel T2i, since it has better high ISO performance than the Xsi, and then

use the Xsi as the backup?

2. Would my money better be spent on a new lens, such as the new Sigma AF 17-50 f/2.8 lens, and then purchase a film EOS body so I could at least use the 50mm on it, or even the Canon T90, even though it uses FD lenses?

Budget is around $800 total.

Thanks,

Jet

August 28, 2010

For those of us who are on a budget, the 60D looks extremely impressive! The 7D is quite a work of art, and it does induce camera-lust when held, but even the body alone is around $1600, which can mean a lot for people during this never-ending recession! Not all photographers have endless credit card limits, and sometimes we have to use 450Ds for our photographic purposes! I've even had paying customers with photos taken with my Xsi and 50mm f1/4 lens. It would great to upgrade to the 50D or 60D and still have money left over for another lens.

I also tire of the semi-pro/prosumer branding, as If you weren't a serious photographer unless you are shooting with a 7D or 5D II. I know my images have improved simply by incorporating better lenses, and If I was using a 40D, I know my results would be similar.

On another note, does the 60D have gapless microlenses like the 50D, and is this really an advantage? Does the microfocus adjustment help?

Jet

August 4, 2010

How would I price the photo(s), allowing them a license to use the photos for banners, promo. materials, etc.? I just don't want to give away my pics, especially if they will be used in promotional materials, money from photography is always welcome, but I've never dealt with commercial type clients, only moms etc. Don't want to be so desperate for new business that I'm taken advantage of in the process.

August 4, 2010

Trying to do more paying jobs, my wife was at an expo yesterday promoting our photo business, talked to a consultant for a nationwide food package provider (tastefully simple) who wanted me to take a "lifestyle" photo of her and her family. Would be used at trade shows/expos for a 7' tall display banner, and the photo would be one of several on the tall banner. She said that the company needed to "own" the photo, since they would be using it for promotional material and trying to get more people signed up to sell their products (it's sort of a home-based business where consultants have parties at people's homes and they order the products then).

I need the business, but don't know how to go about pricing, etc. for a photo that would be used in promotional materials. I'm sure that if my pricing was high enough, she would just take the photo herself?

Not crazy about giving away rights to any of my photos!

Thanks

Jet

June 17, 2010

Thanks for the responses. I only have PS CS2 now, cannot afford $199 for LR2. How come Noise Ninja has not been mentioned? A pro bundle is only $79. Just curious.

Jet

June 16, 2010

Hello,

Have been trying out the lightroom 3 Beta 2, great for reducing noise in some portraiture photos I've taken recently.

The beta version will expire at the end of the month, and I cannot afford $299 for lightroom 3. I have Photoshop CS2 and want to know if I should just buy noise reduction software, such as Noise Ninja, etc. instead to save money? I'd probably buy LR3 when finances get better.

Thanks,

Jet

June 9, 2010

I cannot imagine noise would vary from camera to camera and would think that buying from Office Depot would have anything to do with that.

The only reason I mentioned Office Depot is because of their exchange only/no refund policy if a camera has even been used! If the camera produces crap at ISO 200, don't want to keep it when there are so many choices out there, but they don't have anything to exchange it for, unless I want an XS! That would leave selling it on EB or CL.

June 9, 2010

In response to Derek, no lightening was done, photo came straight from the card to LR.

Also, what is the easiest way to do a customized WB?

I just want to make sure that the camera is not a lemon, so I can return it/exchange it for one that works.

Jet

June 9, 2010

here's a section of her photo, cropped in to show noise at ISO 200:

June 9, 2010

Here's a pic at ISO 200, with flash. The side of my daughter's face has a lot of noise, as well as her hair. Would not expect this at ISO 200, maybe at 1600, but not 200. All my pics were large quality jpegs. Maybe I'm pixel peeping, but I've used other dslrs, and never have had this much visible noise at such low ISOs.

June 9, 2010

Bought a new Xsi/450D last week to use for a photo shoot of little dancers, also acquired a 50mm f/1.4 to use with it, as well as the 430EX11 flash.

Used a black backdrop and positioned the ballerinas in front of it, and used both flash at 90 degrees and higher ISO shots with no flash.

After uploading pics into LR Beta 3, noticed alot of noise, EVEN AT ISO 200! I've used many dslrs, canon and nikon, and never have seen such visible noise at ISO 200 on up! Zooming into the image shows noise in hair, backdrop, etc.

HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD NOISE PROBLEMS THEIR XSI'S?

Made the mistake of buying from Office Depot because I had a large reward gift cert. to use, and I need to save money where i can. they will only exchange it for something else, so no CC refund to use toward another newer dslr.

Extremely disappointed with this dslr! my old canon G9 had better noise control than this!

May 29, 2010

Thanks for all of your responses! I went to the local Best Buy, with 10% off coupon in hand, ready to get an EPL-1 no matter what! Well after really working with it, realized that there would be no way that I could make it work for the type of photography I do (babies, kids, etc.)! with an upcoming shoot of little girl dancers, definitely need a dslr, whether it's a Nikon, Pentax, Olympus etc., just so I can quickly change settings easily, which the EPL-1 would not. I'd love to get one when finances improve, since it would be a great little camera for personal work. Just don't want to show up with what looks like a big point-and-shoot, when most of these moms probably already own canikon dslrs anyway!

May 27, 2010

CC Chang,

Already sold Nikon equipment, needed to get cash in quickly, wasn't really a question of being happy, just needed to sell it due to personal financial reasons, and wanted to find a smaller, lower priced alternative, that's why I was considering the EPL-1.

Getting something smaller and more portable is my goal, but also need a cam that will deliver when needed. That's why I was also considering the Pentax K-X and all of the primes available for it, and possibly the Olympus E620.

Jet

May 27, 2010

I appreciate your advice. I did sell it on the 'Bay, needed to get some money in. Many photogs, such as Kirk Tuck really enjoy using the pen cameras, and I just wanted to know if it would be suitable for taking portraits of kids, I have a small shoot coming up with my daughter's dance class, and wanted to know if it would be doable. Seems that many of the shots taken with it are still subjects, not as many moving subjects? Maybe it would be better to get an Oly E-620? I've even considered the Pentax K-X, since the only thing extra I have is the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 and a SB-600 flash.

Besides portraits, I want to do more macro and landscape photography as well....

Jet

May 27, 2010

I appreciate your advice. I did sell it on the 'Bay, needed to get some money in. Many photogs, such as Kirk Tuck really enjoy using the pen cameras, and I just wanted to know if it would be suitable for taking portraits of kids, I have a small shoot coming up with my daughter's dance class, and wanted to know if it would be doable. Seems that many of the shots taken with it are still subjects, not as many moving subjects? Maybe it would be better to get an Oly E-620? I've even considered the Pentax K-X, since the only thing extra I have is the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 and a SB-600 flash.

Besides portraits, I want to do more macro and landscape photography as well....

Jet

May 21, 2010

Needing to sell my Nikon D90 for financial reasons, want to possibly get an EPL-1 for my photographic pursuits. Would like to use it for portraits of kids. Does anyone have examples of portraits taken with the Pen cameras, and is anyone using them exclusively for portraits?

Jet

January 7, 2010

Thanks for all of the responses! I guess it makes more sense to get the money together to buy the PW FlexTT5/mini TT1, for a little over $400 I can use this setup to control my flash away from the camera, and considering that the ST-E2 costs around $200, I'd rather use the money for the pocket wizards. Thanks Allard for your suggestions about this!

January 5, 2010

Hello,

Really wanting to use my flash off-camera, wirelessly. I have a metz 48 Af-1 and a Canon Rebel Xsi. I know that there is no PC Sync port on the Xsi, and none on the Metz. Does anyone know if the ST-E2 will work with the Metz flash? Would it be better to sell the Metz for a Canon flash? If I really want to do more "strobist-like" portraiture, since I'm not heavily invested in the Canon system, should I invest in a D200 or D90 since they have commander mode, and I could take advantage of Nikon's CLS system?

Thanks,

Jet

August 7, 2009

Was walking through SuperTarget today, stopped by the camera counter, and played with an A330 on display. Not bad, definitely much larger than my Nikon d40. Since I've just recently acquired the d40, may even exchange it for the Sony, which I never would have considered before trying out the 330. I wanted to get the Nikon d5000, but I am having extreme doubts about Nikon, since there is a huge recall on the d5000's! It seems that canikon is so quick to introduce new models, they aren't even testing the models thoroughly before being introduced.

May 23, 2009

Recently had to sell dslr equipment to pay bills, etc., now having to choose a budget dslr until business picks up and the economy improves for my small business.

Have looked at E-system, 410, 510, 520, all are extremely affordable with the reputable 14-42 kit lens. I am also looking at going back to Nikon, such as the D40 or D70. It is a more extensive system, but much more expensive, even with the D40.

My main question is:

1. why you chose Olympus 4/3rds system over Canon/Nikon systems

2. Any regrets? Are you happy with IQ of the Olympus system?

Thanks,

Jet

April 28, 2009

Local Wolf Camera being liquidated, and they have a NEW K100D with kit lens for $337? Is that a decent deal? Will upgrade body in future when more funds come in, since I just had to sell my equipment to pay bills, etc. Would like to eventually have a K20D.

thanks

Jet

April 26, 2009

I'm in the market for a used Pentax DSLR, seems like reputable resellers such as Keh.com, adorama.com, etc., have extremely low used Pentax DSLRs for sale! There seem to be plenty of Olympus DSLRs, but no Pentax, unless I'm looking for a ist*ds. Where can I find a good used Pentax DSLR?

Jet

April 10, 2009

Thanks to all for your suggestions! For some it is hard to grasp the concept of having to sell a system to pay bills, mortgage, employees, etc., but it is a reality today in this economy, and it unfortunately is a reality when you have a small business like we do.

Craig - thanks for understanding!

I only have a Canon dig. rebel Xsi, with a battery grip, flash, lenses, and lensbabies, which I should be able to sell and pay mortgage. I'm willing to have a good film body and lenses, so I can capture memories today, and process later, when more money is available. Sure, film has the processing cost with it, but I would like to learn how to develop b/w at home, so this would help with costs. Digital does have its advantages, but it can be frustrating, since my HP PHotosmart 8750 13X19 printer is not communicating anymore with any of my macs, and my Canon G9 has a card read error (thank goodness for the Best Buy extended warranty!) So digital is great WHEN IT IS WORKING :)!! Having a film body ready to go would be extremely handy in these cases, and film would be great therapy for reducing Instant Gratification Syndrome!!

Looks like Minolta or Pentax would be great choices, but I appreciate any and all advice! Like I mentioned in my OP, need a body that can take a flash for those indoor photos of my kids!

Jet

April 8, 2009

Hello to all,

Due to financial responsibilities, mortgage, etc., going to have to sell my Canon DSLR and lenses. Hopefully when our business picks back up in the Summer, I can acquire another DSLR, etc.

I am wanting to pick up a reliable film body, hopefully one with legacy lenses that would work on whatever DSLR I purchase next. I'm also wanting to experience film again, as digital has lost its glamour for me, as there is not much work anymore in getting good images, my dslr has become a reliable point-and-shoot! Looking to capture images with more thought, would love to hear the metallic shutter sound again!

Just need a reliable 35mm body for outdoor and indoor portrait (kids, etc.) photography, so one that would be able to work with a flash unit.

I am open to any brands, and all advice is welcome.

After I sell my equipment, would have around $400 to spend on a film body, flash, and some lenses.

Jet in Mckinney, tx

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