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ericreagan

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Posts posted by ericreagan

    Third party lenses

    in Canon EOS Mount

    Questions about a Students First Camera

    in Mirrorless Digital Cameras

    Posted

    <i>But then I thought, that because I'm just starting, that most of the pictures I take are going to be really bad and worthless, and it seems to me that it is a huge waste of film. </i>

    <p>

    Spend $15 on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1168206064%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">this book</a>. You'll have better pictures faster no matter which camera you buy.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    Macro Lens for Rebel XT

    in Canon EOS Mount

    Posted

    <i>Are there any alternatives that I should strongly consider?</i>

    <p>

    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCanon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens%2Fdp%2FB00007E7JU%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1167876224%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II</a> plus <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKenko-Auto-Extension-Tube-Set%2Fdp%2FB000A1N8F8%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1167876255%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Kenko DG Auto Extension Tube Set</a> provides a great bang for your buck. The extension tubes also work on the rest of your lenses. Just food for thought.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    Canon Rebel XT- For a beginner?

    in Canon EOS Mount

    Posted

    <i>What do you all think? Will this camera be right for me? Will it be easy to use for a beginner, and yet be powerful than point and shoot cameras?</i>

    <p>

    Yes. That will be everything you need right now.

    <p>

    <i>

    I am not very much experienced in photography, but I am really interested in learning a lot more.</i>

    <p>

    Buy this book too:

    <p>

    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1167696511%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a>

    <p>

    It'll be the best $15 you spend on photography.

    <p>

    Don't buy anything else until you know what you need. When you know, you'll know.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    CARD READER

    in Mirrorless Digital Cameras

    Memory Card

    in Mirrorless Digital Cameras

    Posted

    You camera, in all likelihood, will not come with a memory card. Might I suggest the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSanDisk-SDCFH-2048-901-ULTRA-Retail-Package%2Fdp%2FB0001CNMFM%2Fsr%3D8-2%2Fqid%3D1166581067%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">SanDisk Ultra II</a> CF cards. A 2GB card is under $50 at Amazon. Not a bad deal at all!

    <p>Consider <a href="http://photofloor.blogspot.com/2006/07/memory-cards-and-cameras.html">this blog post</a> as a primer for what you need to know about memory cards.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    starting out

    in Mirrorless Digital Cameras

    Posted

    <i>I am also interested in photographic courses or tutorials .</i>

    <p>

    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Digital-Photography-Techniques-Pictures%2Fdp%2F0817437967%2Fsr%3D8-3%2Fqid%3D1165254900%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Digital Photography</a> by Bryan Peterson is an offshoot of his book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a>. Both are excellent and are probably the best books you could read at your current skill level.

    <p>

    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FDigital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby%2Fdp%2F032147404X%2Fsr%3D8-6%2Fqid%3D1165254900%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">The Digital Photography Book</a> by Scott Kelby, who is also a great author. If you're interested in processing your photos on your computer, consider learning to use photoshop and getting <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPhotoshop-Elements-Digital-Photographers-VOICES%2Fdp%2F0321476735%2Fsr%3D1-3%2Fqid%3D1165255004%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">The Photoshop Elements 5 Book for Digital Photographers</a>, also by Scott Kelby.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi 2 lens Zoom Kit

    in Mirrorless Digital Cameras

    Posted

    You're going to want the kit lens for general snapshots. Certainly so is this is your first SLR. Based on your choices you've thrown out, I expect price is a concern. As a second lens, I think the recommendation for the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCanon-70-300mm-4-5-6-USM-Cameras%2Fdp%2FB0007Y794O%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1166012134%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens</a> is probably your best bet at just over $550. It'll work fine for sunny day soccer photos. It may be a little slow for overcast days though. You might want to invest $15 is a good book too. Consider <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1166012286%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a> by Bryan Peterson.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    Books on SLR/DSLR Photography

    in Accessories

    Posted

    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Digital-Photography-Techniques-Pictures%2Fdp%2F0817437967%2Fsr%3D8-3%2Fqid%3D1165254900%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Digital Photography</a> by Bryan Peterson is an offshoot of his book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a>. Both are excellent and are probably the best books you could read at your current skill level.

    <p>

    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FDigital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby%2Fdp%2F032147404X%2Fsr%3D8-6%2Fqid%3D1165254900%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">The Digital Photography Book</a> by Scott Kelby, who is also a great author. If you're interested in processing your photos on your computer, consider learning to use photoshop and getting <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPhotoshop-Elements-Digital-Photographers-VOICES%2Fdp%2F0321476735%2Fsr%3D1-3%2Fqid%3D1165255004%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">The Photoshop Elements 5 Book for Digital Photographers</a>, also by Scott Kelby.

    <p>I strongly recommend these authors over one of the "[insert topic] for Dummies" books.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    photoshop CS2 book?

    in The Digital Darkroom: Process, Technique & Printing

    Posted

    Also consider the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPhotoshop-Photo-Effects-Cookbook-Shelbourne%2Fdp%2F0596100221%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1165237756%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Photoshop Cookbook</a> series. There are several and all have the same spirit of "show me how" that's found in Scott Kelby's Photoshop for Digital Photography Books.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    Would Aperture + perspective correction = bliss?

    in The Digital Darkroom: Process, Technique & Printing

    Posted

    Just to echo what Caleb said, like you I found Photoshop more than daunting, however, I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPhotoshop-Digital-Photographers-Voices-Matter%2Fdp%2F0321330625%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1164996905%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Scott Kelby's Photoshop CS2 for Digital Photographers</a> and feel much more comfortable now. I'm still no PS whiz or anything, but I can generally get where I need to go and have a decent understanding of what most of the tools do.

    <p>

    I know that wasn't your question, but I'm sticking to it.

    <p>

    I'm a Mac user too and I'm leaning toward <a href="http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom/">Lightroom</a>. If you've not checked it out, I'd recommend comparing it to Aperture before shelling out 300 bones for it. I'd imagine Lightroom would also be more "plug-in friendly" after its final release too.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    P&S for my wife.....and myself

    in Mirrorless Digital Cameras

    Posted

    Have you considered the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPanasonic-DMC-LX2K-Digital-Optical-Stabilized%2Fdp%2FB000GHULTM%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1164909166%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2</a>.

    <p>

    It's rather new but <a href="http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3267/camera-test-panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx2.html">Popular Photography</a> has a review of it. From the review:

    <p>

    <i>

    What a difference this upgrade makes! We ran the LX2 through the Pop Photo Lab, and the results show that Panasonic has made a breakthrough in image quality, thanks to its new Venus Engine III processor and smart noise-reduction technology.

    <p>

    Combined with the excellent resolution from the sensor (which beats most 8MP DSLRs at ISO 100 and 200) and its excellent color accuracy, the LX2 earned an Excellent rating for Image Quality at ISO 100, and Extremely High ratings from ISO 200 up to ISO 800. Its noise levels peak at ISO 200 (Moderately Low) and drop to Low at ISO 400 and ISO 800, rising back to Moderately Low at ISO 1600.</i>

    <p>

    It doesn't look like it's got an optical viewfinder though. But the capability to shoot RAW makes it very enticing to me. Good luck in your hunt.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    How do I make my photo's look/come out like this?

    in The Digital Darkroom: Process, Technique & Printing

    Posted

    Get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1164943748%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a> by Bryan Peterson. You need to learn the fundamentals of exposure. After reading the book, you will be well on your way to understanding what you need to improve on to achieve the results you want.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    Accessories to buy for wife's new Rebel XT

    in Canon EOS Mount

    Posted

    <i>. . . and is getting into photography</i>

    <p>

    Get some books for stocking stuffers!

    <p>

    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1164753238%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a> by Bryan Peterson (the best photography gift you'll ever get her)

    <p>

    <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FDigital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby%2Fdp%2F032147404X%2Fsr%3D8-6%2Fqid%3D1164753238%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">The Digital Photography Book</a> by Scott Kelby

    <p>

    Also, consider <a href="http://photofloor.blogspot.com/2006/11/cameras-for-christmas.html">this post</a>.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    What's happening here?

    in Canon EOS Mount

    Posted

    I'll admit the price difference sounded odd to me. But what's even odder is if you look at the same lens in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTamron-Autofocus-17-35mm-2-8-4-Cameras%2Fdp%2FB0000ZL2JI%2Fsr%3D8-2%2Fqid%3D1164737271%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Nikon mount</a> and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTamron-Autofocus-17-35mm-2-8-4-Super%2Fdp%2FB0000ZL2J8%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1164737271%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Canon mount</a> there is a $150 difference in price on Amazon. The retail price is even the same on them! Odd indeed. Perhaps it's market forces at work? Have you called B&H to see when they expect more in?

    canon digital body with older lens

    in Canon EOS Mount

    Posted

    <i>Is it advisable to buy only the a new canon body and combine it with the older lens that I have.</i>

    <p>

    For the price of the body and kit lens, I would say not. If it is the only lens you have for a while, it is worth the price of admission. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCanon-Digital-Rebel-XT-f3-5-5-6%2Fdp%2FB0007QKN22%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1164681427%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Rebel XT with lens</a> is only $626 at Amazon right now. That's hard to pass up for that price. Whatever you do, good luck and post some shots when you get your new camera.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    First Digital SLR

    in Mirrorless Digital Cameras

    Posted

    I think the following three posts are relevant to your inquiry:

    <p>

    <a href="http://photofloor.blogspot.com/2006/11/dont-get-scammed-on-your-photo-purchase.html">Don't Get Scammed</a>

    <p>

    <a href="http://photofloor.blogspot.com/2006/11/canon-rebel-xt-price-drop.html">Rebel XT and XTi Sales</a>

    <p>

    <a href="http://photofloor.blogspot.com/2006/11/cameras-for-christmas.html">Cameras for Christmas</a>

    <p>

    Personally, I'd recommend that you get the Rebel XTi and kit lens if you don't really know what to get. I think it's the best bang for your buck right now and will give you a great system to grow into. Others will disagree. We all have our opinions. I'm a very happy Canon user and have no regrets with the choice I made.

    <p>

    Otherwise, to offer some advice - educate yourself on the different systems. Hold the cameras in your hands and decide what you like best.

    <p>

    Finally, if you are a beginner in photography, get a good book.

    <p>

    Cheers!

    Eos Rebel XT and Flash

    in Canon EOS Mount

    Posted

    <i>Im new to DSLR</i>

    <p>

    Please consider purchasing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003%2Fsr%3D8-1%2Fqid%3D1164650046%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a> by Bryan Peterson and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FDigital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby%2Fdp%2F032147404X%2Fsr%3D8-6%2Fqid%3D1164650046%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">The Digital Photography Book</a> by Scott Kelby. Both will save you a significant amount of heartache and will answer many questions before you have them. While these are not directed specifically to your flash inquiry, educating yourself is the key to learning as a new DSLR user. And yes, you made a good choice.

    <p>

    Cheers!

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