E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > Off-Topic Discussions Board > Photography/Videography > looking to buy my first dslr



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-07-2013, 11:56 AM   #1
Twix
Lieutenant Colonel
Twix's Avatar
Canada
652
Rep
1,922
Posts

Drives: 2011 e91
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
looking to buy my first dslr

As the title says, I'm looking at buying my first dslr. I went to Black's a Canadian mainstream photography store and the guy was showing me a Canon T3. It seemed ok, but then again, I'm not very versed in camera technology. I told him my budget was $500 for the camera and he suggested this model and said to buy a 50mm lens instead of upgrading the camera body itself.

What do you guys suggest?

I plan on taking lots of action shots, night shots and probably very few portraits.
__________________
2011 E91
2016 M2 - Sold
2014 X1 - Sold
2002 Land Rover Discovery II - 3" lift & 33s
Appreciate 0
      09-08-2013, 08:20 AM   #2
danniexi
Brigadier General
danniexi's Avatar
No_Country
3037
Rep
4,383
Posts

Drives: 2022 F97 X3M Comp LCI
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NJ/NY

iTrader: (15)

Garage List
1. Buy used if you can. Once you become experienced in photography and well versed in the hardware aspect of it, then you can upgrade the body. As for now, a used Canon T3i/T4i will suit you well. Hell, even the older ones would suffice.

2. Yes, get the 50mm f/1.8. It is a great starting point when you are learning photography. No need for a zoom when you are learning the fundamentals of shooting. Use your feet to zoom if you must.

3. Study Study Study. Shoot Shoot Shoot. Study some more. Shoot some more. Once you KNOW what you want out of your photos, know the limitations of your gear, and know what you absolutely NEED, then you should be able to purchase bodies/lenses without asking.
__________________
BMW MY22 F97 X3MC LCI - CURRENT BUILD THREAD| Instagram: @danniexi
BMW MY16 F80 M3 - GONE
BMW MY08 E92 335XI - GONE
BMW MY06 E46 325XI - GONE

Last edited by danniexi; 09-08-2013 at 09:34 AM..
Appreciate 0
      09-08-2013, 08:11 PM   #3
druu
Second Lieutenant
48
Rep
298
Posts

Drives: 2020 M8
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by danniexi View Post
1. Buy used if you can. Once you become experienced in photography and well versed in the hardware aspect of it, then you can upgrade the body. As for now, a used Canon T3i/T4i will suit you well. Hell, even the older ones would suffice.

2. Yes, get the 50mm f/1.8. It is a great starting point when you are learning photography. No need for a zoom when you are learning the fundamentals of shooting. Use your feet to zoom if you must.

3. Study Study Study. Shoot Shoot Shoot. Study some more. Shoot some more. Once you KNOW what you want out of your photos, know the limitations of your gear, and know what you absolutely NEED, then you should be able to purchase bodies/lenses without asking.
Agreed, but the 50mm (on a crop body like the t3i) might be a little bit too tight to learn on. It might not be so bad to have the kit lens (as crappy as it is) to experment on as well, or a 35mm f/2, which is a fine lens for the money.
Appreciate 0
      09-09-2013, 07:27 AM   #4
danniexi
Brigadier General
danniexi's Avatar
No_Country
3037
Rep
4,383
Posts

Drives: 2022 F97 X3M Comp LCI
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NJ/NY

iTrader: (15)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by druu View Post
Agreed, but the 50mm (on a crop body like the t3i) might be a little bit too tight to learn on. It might not be so bad to have the kit lens (as crappy as it is) to experment on as well, or a 35mm f/2, which is a fine lens for the money.
Damn good point. I didn't take the crop sensor into account. Definitely the 35mm or shorty forty (40mm) would be a good purchase as they are closer to the "35mm standard".
__________________
BMW MY22 F97 X3MC LCI - CURRENT BUILD THREAD| Instagram: @danniexi
BMW MY16 F80 M3 - GONE
BMW MY08 E92 335XI - GONE
BMW MY06 E46 325XI - GONE
Appreciate 0
      09-09-2013, 06:00 PM   #5
ddk632
Chief Senior Executive Managing VP of Orange Sales
ddk632's Avatar
United_States
583
Rep
2,581
Posts

Drives: 17 BMW F87 M2 6MT MG HBDGR !
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Aventura, FL

iTrader: (2)

When I first was starting out with an SLR (the lack of D is intentional, it was a film SLR) I wanted to have a wide range of focal lengths covered and wasn't as concerned with image quality, sharpness, or whatever, as just having the versatility to compose shots to my liking in varying scenes and places.

Therefore my vote goes to a zoom lens if you are just starting and can only have one lens, or even a couple of lenses.

My first kit consisted of an ultra wide-angle zoom (20-35), a standard zoom (28-80) and a telephoto (the infamous 75-300).

You can gradually see your photography progress and start to learn what you like to shoot most often, at what focal lengths and apertures, and then purchase additional lenses such as primes to fit those criteria.

It worked for me, at least.
Appreciate 0
      09-10-2013, 10:21 AM   #6
LPMM
Registered
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: 09 M3
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MN

iTrader: (0)

As other mentioned, a used body will serve you well. I prefer the pro/semi-pro bodies and I would look at a 40D or 50D over a T3. Put your money in good/fast glass, especially if you plan on doing night shots. You'll keep those forever and you can always upgrade the body.
Appreciate 0
      09-10-2013, 11:49 AM   #7
druu
Second Lieutenant
48
Rep
298
Posts

Drives: 2020 M8
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

OP, what are you buying the camera to shoot?
Appreciate 0
      09-11-2013, 12:46 PM   #8
Twix
Lieutenant Colonel
Twix's Avatar
Canada
652
Rep
1,922
Posts

Drives: 2011 e91
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I ended up buying a T3i. Standard lens. Seems to be pretty good thus far. I took a road trip to Vancouver and took some interesting photos. Hopefully they turned out.
Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 08:50 AM   #9
rodi
. . .
181
Rep
2,391
Posts

Drives: your FACE!
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Atlanta proper

iTrader: (-1)

I was going to say, when a camera budget is that low, the whole "what do you plan to shoot with it," stuff just doesn't really matter. With that said, you're not going to be doing much action or night shooting with the standard kit lens. Nothing better than a cheap fixed-lens pocket camera will, anyway.
The really good stuff comes when you can drop a couple grand on one lens here and there.
__________________
2009 135i | space grey | sport | navi | hifi | heated
dinan stage 2 software | bmw performance exhaust
kw v2 | hotchkis front sway | vmr v710

Appreciate 0
      09-16-2013, 11:22 AM   #10
ddk632
Chief Senior Executive Managing VP of Orange Sales
ddk632's Avatar
United_States
583
Rep
2,581
Posts

Drives: 17 BMW F87 M2 6MT MG HBDGR !
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Aventura, FL

iTrader: (2)

Any camera that has a manual and bulb mode is capable of shooting excellent pictures at night as long as you have a tripod and don't expect moving things to end up in the photo

OP - good choice enjoy your new T3i!
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 11:43 AM   #11
Twix
Lieutenant Colonel
Twix's Avatar
Canada
652
Rep
1,922
Posts

Drives: 2011 e91
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I bought a tripod, but some of my night photos are less than decent. Quite blurry. I'll be looking into getting a second lens within a week.

Most of the pictures I took look pretty good to me (I'm no professional), and I took most in manual mode, not an auto preset mode.
__________________
2011 E91
2016 M2 - Sold
2014 X1 - Sold
2002 Land Rover Discovery II - 3" lift & 33s
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 12:25 PM   #12
druu
Second Lieutenant
48
Rep
298
Posts

Drives: 2020 M8
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

for your night photos, unless you have a remote, put the camera on the timer setting so that you're not actually touching the shutter in any way, this should eliminate that blur (assuming your subject is completely stationary). If you're doing this for people you may need a flash.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 12:52 PM   #13
Billup
Banned
Burkina Faso
472
Rep
928
Posts

Drives: Your mum crazy.
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Baconopolos Island

iTrader: (0)

Do any of the tabletop style tripods support the weight of heavier lenses, does anyone know?

I have been looking into something small and compact that I can bring with me for those "oh crap I wish I had a tripod" moments, but I'm afraid the weight of some of my lenses will just be countered and tip over.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 12:56 PM   #14
druu
Second Lieutenant
48
Rep
298
Posts

Drives: 2020 M8
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

There are gorillapods that can support greater weight, as far as standalone small tripods that are small, I can't think of one. I would think it's all based on the head of the tripod in that case.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 01:07 PM   #15
Billup
Banned
Burkina Faso
472
Rep
928
Posts

Drives: Your mum crazy.
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Baconopolos Island

iTrader: (0)

That's perfect, looked some up and it looks like they have a good selection rated at 6-1/2 lbs which should be more than sufficient, for $50-$120.

Cheers!
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 01:39 PM   #16
Nkc
NOOB
Nkc's Avatar
Canada
1601
Rep
1,356
Posts

Drives: Cars
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: @BMWclassicdivision

iTrader: (0)

Sorry to hijack OP but I'm a noob looking to learn more too.

So my impulsive buyer brother in law bought a Canon EOS 7D with EF-S 18-135mm zoom lens (whatever that means) and he lent it to me for a while. I've never seriously taken pictures before, mostly with my phone for stupid stuff but I'm starting to like this thing. How good is this camera? I'm expecting a baby soon and would like to take a lot of pics. My bro-in-law offered to sell it to me and I'm wondering if this is a good starter or am I set for a long long time?
__________________
@BMWclassicdivision
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 01:45 PM   #17
Billup
Banned
Burkina Faso
472
Rep
928
Posts

Drives: Your mum crazy.
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Baconopolos Island

iTrader: (0)

The only thing I've noticed using a standard zoom lens is that, even though they are made very well, it seems they are a good "all around" lens, but doesn't provide any huge benefits to shooting at a single particular focal length, like how a Macro is great for up close, or a wide angle for large panoramic style shots.

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but this is what I've discovered on my own trials.

The body in itself would be a great start, I think. You'll notice greater differences in shots with different glass as you learn the basics of A/F, shutter speed, and WB. If you can get it for "family" price, I would say go for it and investigate lenses that would be applicable to things you would like to shoot on a regular basis (ie: scenery, cars, sports, portraits, etc.)
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 03:21 PM   #18
Twix
Lieutenant Colonel
Twix's Avatar
Canada
652
Rep
1,922
Posts

Drives: 2011 e91
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Thanks Druu. I've been thinking about an external flash with the remote feature. Maybe that would work. The night pics I took were mostly city scapes in the distance. The closer I got to what I was shooting, the less blurry the picture. I also noticed it was easier to shoot monochromatic than full colour at night.

So what would I be looking at for a second lens? Something for wide angle landscapes would work for me. Any numbers pop to anyone's mind?
__________________
2011 E91
2016 M2 - Sold
2014 X1 - Sold
2002 Land Rover Discovery II - 3" lift & 33s
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 03:54 PM   #19
druu
Second Lieutenant
48
Rep
298
Posts

Drives: 2020 M8
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

well a flash is not really going to help your landscapes (unless you intend to illuminate something close by in the foreground). A long exposure just needs to be perfectly still, so using the timer will be fine.

honestly speaking, unless you want to build a big kit of lenses the sigma 18-35 f/1.8 is the way to go. It is probably the best quality crop sensor zoom lens that covers wide to normal.

If you need to go wider get a tokina 11-16 f/2.8 They are made for crop cameras, have top tier build quality and optics. 11-16 is in the ultrawide category for crop sensor cameras.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 08:03 PM   #20
ddk632
Chief Senior Executive Managing VP of Orange Sales
ddk632's Avatar
United_States
583
Rep
2,581
Posts

Drives: 17 BMW F87 M2 6MT MG HBDGR !
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Aventura, FL

iTrader: (2)

I suggest to read these 2 books which will give some good tips and understanding for various types of shooting.

The first one I think everyone should read. If you don't know the relationship between ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed (or if you can't even spell ISO, Aperture, or Shutter Speed ), and how these 3 factors are inter-related, then you are not a photographer. You would be floored to know how many "photographers" do not understand these concepts. Don't be one of them!

The second is a great reference book to keep in your camera bag.

Understanding Exposure, by Bryan Peterson
http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-.../dp/0817439390

The Digital Photography Book, by Scott Kelby
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photog...otography+book

Kelby has a whole series actually, I need to get the others but the original is excellent to whip out and say, "oh, night shot, tripod, ok here's what you do"

On the lenses I'd recommend an EF-S 10-22 but that's just because I had one. It's an awesome Canon UWA lens, incredibly sharp, and very valuable.

I bought mine new in June 2006 for $600 and sold it in Dec 2012 for $500.... that's 6.5 years of use for $100
Although to be honest I wish I hadn't sold it. It was that good.
Appreciate 0
      09-17-2013, 08:21 PM   #21
Twix
Lieutenant Colonel
Twix's Avatar
Canada
652
Rep
1,922
Posts

Drives: 2011 e91
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Awesome, when I get through my shift at work I'll run to the book store to see if I can get those. After reading those I might change my mind about which lens I'll buy.
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:12 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST