Member of the Month

KilaTsunami
October, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Getting into Photography

profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
Hey guys I'd like to start getting into photography, mostly for skiing and sports, but would also like an all around camera/lens that could be used for everything. I was considering just getting a GoPro HD hero2 but its mostly for videos. From stickied thread:
1. budget=500-1000
2. I own a regular digital camera, but its nothing special. Some type of canon. But I can take good pictures and took media arts one year in school
3. I have a tripod (small one) and a Canon digital camera... can get the model name if needed
4. shooting skiing, some videos, sports, and scenery shots
5. I will be doing almost all of the shooting, but might give my brother the occasional shot to take of me or some other friends.
6. Tripod of follow cams. but also something to hold onto and shoot if on vacation/ for fun
7. I have a Macbook Pro and an iMac desktop with all the latest software. No photoshop though
8. Not to familiar with editing. I've used photoshop at school and edited with iMovie but nothing really extreme.

Please recommend all the gear I will need to get a solid start up. Just let me know if there's anything else that I didn't mention. Thanks guys
Feb 28 2012 1:39AM
0 0
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,072
Are you looking to use it for photo or video? What % of each? From your post, I am very confused to what you want to use this camera for.
Feb 28 2012 1:55AM
0 0
profile picture
erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
personally i would recommend you a Nikon D80. For the same price as the new low-end DSLR's, you get something to grow into instead of an advanced point and shoot packed full of soccer-mom features. You can get the body for about $300 and that leaves you a decent amount for a good starter lens. Honestly the 18-105mm and 50mm 1.8 would be okay to start out with.

If you like Canon, I can't really help you out since i'm only familiar with their recent bodies, which again imo aren't as good to learn on if you're only looking to spend ~$800
Feb 28 2012 1:58AM
0 0
profile picture
juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
sounds like you want a dslr if you want to use it a lot for photography, but then you also want video? get a t2i they are cheap and if you were doing mostly photography, then buy a decent lens to start. use the shitty tripod for a while, i use a shitty tripod now and it does the job. a lot of times its not the quality of the equipment, its how well you can use it
Feb 28 2012 2:00AM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
no personal preference. I do prefer nikon over canon though, used them at school
Feb 28 2012 2:01AM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
mostly photo, I would like something that could do both, but I don't think I could get a decent camera that shoots both for that kind of price? might just get a gopro on the side for video.
how about the rebel t2i?
Feb 28 2012 2:05AM
0 0
profile picture
juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
the t2i will take way better video than the gopro. thats why it would work for photography and video...
Feb 28 2012 2:12AM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
I've heard that its good for video, but what about photo? since I would be taking more photo's than filming...
Feb 28 2012 2:14AM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
any lens and starting equipment recommendations would also be helpful
Feb 28 2012 2:17AM
0 0
profile picture
juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
i havent ever used one but they have very similar specs to some of the upper models so i am guessing the pictures will be excellent. but maybe someone else can give u some more info on that
Feb 28 2012 2:29AM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
it seems like a solid all around camera, especially price wise
Feb 28 2012 2:33AM
0 0
profile picture
juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
yeah lots of people have them and with your budget you should have enough for a fairly decent lens or two to get a good start on the photography side and very basic filming
Feb 28 2012 2:43AM
0 0
profile picture
*davidallen*
Posts: 191 - Karma: 49
i got a t3i a couple months ago and use it for probably 80% photo, 20% video and i like it a lot. i haven't used nikon much but i know that a lot of people really like it. but for the price the t2i seems better than the d5100, which i think are within the same price range.
Feb 28 2012 2:46AM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
thats exactly what im looking for.
Feb 28 2012 2:47AM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
whats the differences between the t2i and t3i?
Feb 28 2012 3:06AM
0 0
profile picture
*davidallen*
Posts: 191 - Karma: 49
the main difference is the t3i has a flip out screen, but there are a few small things, built in wireless flash transmitter, manual audio option (you can do this in the t2i with ML), there might be a couple more but the actual camera is basically the same
Feb 28 2012 3:11AM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
so not really worth the extra money for someone like me?
Feb 28 2012 3:12AM
0 0
profile picture
WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
it really depends on the person. if the flip out screen and better build quality (plus the extra photo features, which idk much about) are important to you, then it could be worth the money. i love my t2i but having the articulating screen on a t3i is pretty handy.
Feb 28 2012 3:36AM
0 0
profile picture
PeterWojnar
Posts: 3937 - Karma: 678
I'm selling a D90 right now, if you're interested: https://www.newschoolers.com/ns/forums/readthread/thread_id/678475/
Feb 28 2012 4:20AM
0 0
profile picture
freestyle180
Posts: 87 - Karma: 51
I'd get a Canon 40D if you really want to do photography. Feels more solid and better built than the t3i/t2i. with the $ you'll save on the body you'll be able to grab better lenses and get a fairlydecent set up for under 1k IMO
Feb 28 2012 8:02AM
0 0
profile picture
BryantPhoto
Posts: 1574 - Karma: 891
+1 to this. I used to be in the XXD series. You get to be out of the rebel build quality/plasticyness and into a semi-professional body. It is a magnesium alloy body, so it will withstand more beating, if it ever happens upon it, and is a bit more waterproof. I've shot in downpours with it uncovered, but wouldn't dare using a rebel in the rain.
Feb 28 2012 8:07AM
0 0
profile picture
[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
if you want the t2i, i would consider the t3i. I love mine. In my books, the swivel screen and better build quality is def worth the extra 50-100 bucks
Feb 28 2012 9:08AM
0 0
profile picture
the.cheat
Posts: 2859 - Karma: 171
if you're not interested in video, the 40d is an excellent camera. i just made the switch from a t2i and i never want to go back to the rebel line. the body cost me 400, and i payed 350 for my tamron 17-50, which would give you a pretty solid walk-around set up, leaving you about 250 off the top range of your budget.
Feb 28 2012 10:12AM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
ya im more interested in photography than videography. but It would be nice to have a camera that can film a video once every so often. What about lenses guys ?
Feb 28 2012 2:45PM
0 0
profile picture
BryantPhoto
Posts: 1574 - Karma: 891
What's your price range for a lens.
Feb 28 2012 3:02PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
not sure right now but it will probably be around 1000 for body+lens. If I do get the t2i, then I'd have about 350 to spend on a lens
Feb 28 2012 6:09PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
I was just recommended by someone to use this setup:
Canon t2i with 50mm f/1.8
thoughts?
Feb 28 2012 6:48PM
0 0
profile picture
erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
get a zoom as well, a lot of people are going to recommend the tamron 17-50 but personally i would rather have something with a little more range
Feb 28 2012 6:51PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
85% photo, 15% video. would probably only be using the video for skiing
Feb 28 2012 7:23PM
0 0
profile picture
BryantPhoto
Posts: 1574 - Karma: 891
If you're shooting 85% photo, I'd highly recommend a prime to start it off. You can follow cam anybody with a 50mm on the 1.6x crop of the t2i with no issues, or just frame up shots. Like said, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 is pretty great. It's not called the nifty fifty for nothing. If I were to buy a 50 over again, I'd recommend getting the f/1.4 honestly. You'll pay about 2/3x the price, about $350, but the build, lens quality, and much faster af are very handy after you've used your cam for a bit.
Feb 28 2012 8:03PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
what does this mean?
Feb 28 2012 8:07PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
looks like I'm getting:
T3i body with 18-55mm lens
and the canon 50mm f/1.8 lens

anything I should know about before I buy it?
Feb 28 2012 8:09PM
0 0
profile picture
BryantPhoto
Posts: 1574 - Karma: 891
Prime is a fixed zoom lens. AKA 50mm.
Feb 28 2012 8:14PM
0 0
profile picture
BryantPhoto
Posts: 1574 - Karma: 891
Get a uv filter. It might safe you some cash down the road.
Feb 28 2012 8:15PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
how much do they cost? which one?
Feb 28 2012 8:29PM
0 0
profile picture
erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
they're cheap, like $20 since you can get a cheap one like tiffen. you're putting it on a shitty lens anyway so you probably won't notice the difference.
Feb 28 2012 8:36PM
0 0
profile picture
BryantPhoto
Posts: 1574 - Karma: 891
Here you go:
Feb 28 2012 8:49PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
bump
Feb 29 2012 1:12PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
does anyone know what the vibration compensation (VC) does to the image of the Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8?
should I get the lens with or without this?
Feb 29 2012 7:03PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
I'm guessing with...
Feb 29 2012 7:12PM
0 0
profile picture
erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
on most lenses it's good to have VR/VC/IS but on the tamron 17-50 they fucked up and adding the VC actually made the lens softer. Get it without and save some money.
Feb 29 2012 7:13PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
alright thanks, also is it worth the extra money to get a canon 17-55mm f/2.8 instead of the tamron 17-50 f/2.8? cause canon is a better lense... except its like $1200

I read this comparison:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-17-50mm-f-2.8-XR-Di-II-Lens-Review.aspx
and it seems like the tamron would be good however my dad said that the quality of the tamron isn't even close to that of the canon
Feb 29 2012 7:26PM
0 0
profile picture
TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
Maybe a couple years down the road, not right now though. Stick with either a good nikon or canon body, and the tamron. start there and then start getting more gear. that's a good starting place.
Feb 29 2012 7:59PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
alright so here's the final setup... please let me know if I should add/remove any items or get different models/brands:
Canon t2i body
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 AND/OR Canon 50mm f/1.8
Canon EF-s 18-55mm IS lens (comes with body kit... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/768276-REG/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T2i_Digital.html )
Feb 29 2012 8:06PM
0 0
profile picture
erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
don't get the kit lens and the tamron 17-50
Feb 29 2012 8:09PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
one or the other?
Feb 29 2012 8:10PM
0 0
profile picture
juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
well they are virtually the same focal length and the kit lens is complete shit. just buy the body, the tamron, and accessories from there. usually the stuff that comes in big package deals like that get replaced very soon anyway so don't waste your time with that stuff
Feb 29 2012 8:13PM
0 0
profile picture
skitheWest.
Posts: 2304 - Karma: 1,276
so not the 50mm canon f/1.8?
Feb 29 2012 8:15PM
0 0
profile picture
erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
get the canon 50 1.8
imo it's the only smart thing in the kit you're buying
Feb 29 2012 8:17PM
0 0
profile picture
TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
if you have the cash, go for it, it can be a useful lens. if not, the tamron is the more reasonable lens to buy
Feb 29 2012 8:18PM
0 0
profile picture
juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
well if you absolutely really want it now. for a cheap prime that is gonna be a pretty good lens for low light but i know there are some people who really like it and some who really hate it. if it were me personally in your case i would buy the t2i body, tamron lens, a good memory card, and then if you still want to spend more maybe look into a longer focal length lens to accompany the 17-50. but even then, you might as well save up and get something good instead of just spending all your cash on a bunch of cheaper lenses that wont make a huge difference just cuz you want to be able to have a bunch of changeable lenses right off the bat to look cool
Feb 29 2012 8:20PM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-5)