captainkimo

<p>Everybody is using DSLR now a days. Whether they are professional or a newbie. We buy camera to take nice photos - right? Other reasons than that are just secondary options.<br>

So, if you have a budget of $500, I can suggest you to buy a Nikon D40 which comes with an 18-55mm kit lens. It's very handy and user-friendly. For beginners like you, you won't find difficulties adjusting or grasping new techniques to achieve good photos.</p>

<p>I agree with Andrew. Go to a camera shop near your place and try out the cameras. Go with the one that you feel: fits your hands perfectly, addresses your needs, and the one which you can afford. Other people's preferences might not be the one that suit you at all. Best of luck with your ' future baby'.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>Awesome shots! I liked the first photo in this set the most. Perfect timing.</p>

<p><img src="http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/00T/00TJsb-133509884.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Well, this does not just apply to shooting birds but shooting any subject in general. If something seems to be distracting, I try to edit it out or at least do something to make it less distracting.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>Manfrotto makes sturdy and reliable tripods and you may consider buying one. I myself bought a Manfrotto tripod (055XDB model) with a Manfrotto 322rc2 ball head and wrote a review <a href="http://captainkimo.com/manfrotto-tripod-ball-head-combo">here</a> . It cost me $300 for both. And I'm satisfied thus with its performance thus far.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>I agree with the suggestion on getting an external flash. The thing with a pop-up flash is, it is not recommended to use it on extended hours. I have read some horror stories saying that their pop flash conked out and became busted after using it for around 700-800 shots straight. So there. I guess you can't be trigger happy when you get to use only your pop up flash as your flash unit.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>Because the 55mm lens is a top performer in poorly lit surroundings. It is a fast lens so you can shoot at higher shutter speeds. It also delivers if you want to achieve good bokehs.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>Good thing you came home safe. Anyway, you do have an interesting set right here. I liked the narrative also. Great job!<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>Well, if my budget limit is only up to $100, the post processing progam that I'll buy would be Photomatix since I'm into <a href="http://captainkimo.com/hdr-how-to">HDR photography</a> . I like how easy to use it is and I'm always satisfied with the results. I actually wrote about it <a href="http://captainkimo.com/hdr-review-photomatix">here</a> in my <a href="http://captainkimo.com">site</a> .<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>Tip: Find out more about the type of sports you are shooting. Having this basic knowledge will give you an idea of the best place (where action happens) to position yourself.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>Hi Armen, I think Google is your best friend here. There may be no one-stop resource for everything you want to know. But just seek and you shall find. Good luck!<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>I have seen good reviews of Eureka dryboxes. They are kind of compact and convenient to use.</p>

<p><img src="http://www.eurekadrytech.com/images/spic04.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="420" /></p>

<p>I agree with Bob. You can put it in a place where it is exposed to sun light. As a precaution, store your gear in a good drybox to avoid the growth of molds/fungus especially if you're in a place where humidity is high.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>Nice set. I find the first photo (the one with the smoke) interesting. Your 'dog fight' photo is fun. Great capture. Hope to see more of your shots.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>Early this year, I bought a Manfrotto 055XDB tripod and a Manfrotto 322RC2 grip action ball head. These two, which I bought at a local camera shop here in Florida, cost me $317.00. I was impressed at its performance and I felt it helped me improve my way of shooting. I have actually written a review for this combo <a href="http://captainkimo.com/manfrotto-tripod-ball-head-combo">here</a> .<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>Like what Robbie said, you can start with this hobby with a good point and shoot. Make sure it has manual controls so you can learn and practice the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. If you feel it's now high time to take it to the next level, you can buy a good DSLR unit. And your point-and-shoot will come handy as a back-up camera or just a camera which you can bring if you don't feel lugging along your DSLR.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>I agree with Les Lammers. Go get an LCD/screen protector. The GGS brand is a good buy. It is made of an optical glass to ensure protection of the LCD from scratches and away from UV light.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>Both brands, Brand C and Brand N, make good cameras. What will work for other guys here may not work for you. What you should do is to look up the line up of lenses for each and see which one will be more appealing to you (the one that can address your needs). You're buying into a system and not a camera alone. Also make sure to handle the cameras and compare them side by side in person to see which one fits you the best. Good luck on your purchase!<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>I think it was in 2005. My first digital camera was a Canon Rebel XT as replacement for my Canon AE1 film camera. It was really a hassle developing films and costly so I stopped shooting. However, I became interested again after I saw an HDR photo of the <a id="ht18" title="golden gate bridge" href=" title="golden gate bridge">golden gate bridge</a> .. That was the time I bought my XT so I can dabble into the world of HDR photography. Currently owning a Canon 5D.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p> </p>

<p>I agree. Canon makes good point-and-shoot cameras, especially the Powershot series which boasts of superb quality (they may not be as stylish as the IXUS series or that Sony counterpart). I agree with most of the people suggestion... a Canon Powershot 590is is a great buy, considering your budget. Best bang-of-the-buck choice.<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>

<p>I suggest you go to a camera store near your place and try out all the camera models you are eyeing. You can never go wrong with the cameras you mentioned. Get a hold of each of them and see which one fits the best in your hands. Good luck on your purchase!<br>

Cheers!<br>

<em>Captain Kimo</em></p>