IMPORTANT THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE BUYING A PROFESSIONAL CAMERA, aka DSLR

IMPORTANT THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE BUYING A PROFESSIONAL CAMERA, aka DSLR

Here the most important factors when selecting a DSLR

If you would like to start using a professional level, basic camera, and make large prints (or not), here is what you need and what you do not need. Remember that most cameras simply consist of a black box with a hole. Remember that what is marketed to you by tech and camera stores is NOT always what you need to do photography, But using manual focusing, aperture and shutter speed control to control depth of focus (field) IS.

SENSOR SIZE

The size of the sensor ONLY (not megapixels) determines how large you can print and how much resolution your image will have. Just like film format (120mm, 4 x 5in or 35mm, the smallest), the size of the sensor determines how much fits in the image and how much data can be recorded - it is a flat field receptor, a flat panel - it replaced the film frame, the AREA that the image falls on if you will.

Full Frame Sensors are the size that 35mm film used to be.

Here is an example: click here.

Cropped Frame Sensors are much smaller than a 35mm frame.

Here is an example of a cropped sensor size, entry level DSLR:  click here.

Digital Backs for medium format cameras now replace 120mm and 4 x 5 in. sized film for professional client based photographers. Yet artists still use film and then wet scan or dry scan the film into a large file. It is much cheaper to buy a scanner than a digital back. Mamiya and Leaf make digital backs that are larger than full frame sensor DSLRs. The Backs, like the film, are usually removable.

For you basic intro level photography, you need a basic DSLR: link

After you have learnt it's controls (do not set onto auto), you can step it up to a full fame sensor, which will enable to print very large, up to 30" x 30": link

LENSES

Do not be impressed by large long lenses. Men especially are enamored by these, but the fact is, that unless you are planning on becoming a paparazzi photographer, wildlife or sports photographer, you will not need a long lens. (long lens = 100mm plus focal length)...One of the big rules of good photography is - GET CLOSE TO THE SUBJECT. Long lenses are synonymous with what is commonly termed "lazy" shooting.

Buy prime lenses - a wide angle lens, and a longer lens with a wide aperture (20mm and 35mm for cropped sensor DSLRs). For example click here for an inexpensive wide aperture lens (for lots of depth of field and low light shooting) and here for a pricier one.

Spend money on the APERTURE (the widest yields good depth of field in low light). Spend money on prime lenses, not complicated zoom lenses....

Here is an example of

Wide angle lens for cropped sensor basic  DSLR: click here

Wide Angle lens for full frame sensor DSLR: click here

Regular focal length for cropped sensor basic  DSLR: click here.

Regular focal lenght for frame sensor DSLR: click here.

DON’T BECOME A TECH GEAR GEEK, DEVELOP A GOOD EYE INSTEAD

Many photographers think that the better their gear (camera) the better their pictures. However nothing can be further form the truth. A good photographer chooses interesting angles, uses basic equipment, combined with a "good eye", good unusual composition (do not center things!). Show us subjects that have not been over photographed (stop with the sunsets!) and show the world from a new viewpoint.

The fact is that cameras do not change that much - for over 150 years cameras have had these features:

- aperture (the size of the opening of the lens, which is variable)

- shutter speed (time control of exposure)

- film plane / sensor - (place where the image falls)

- camera = black light tight box

- lens or pinhole opening

Do you feel like you need to keep up with new camera features all the time? Stop - keep up with trends in art photography instead (the image content) - the new features on cameras are simply marketing ploys that companies use to entice you to buy buy buy. These aforementioned key features however simply  don't change. with digital photogrpahy the only thing that might change is resolution. But if you want a bigger image, buy a full frame sensor camera which yields larger prints for exhibitions (or use a medium format camera with a digital back).

  

F A Q’s

What is the difference between a $400 Nikon and a $3000 Nikon?

Answer: The difference is not one that you will need if you are just starting out. You will pay for a stronger but heavier outer body, programming features (not needed in this class), a better lens with wider aperture (a plus!), or it being more durable. So in short, there is not an enormous difference, and unless you are 100% sure you want to become a photographer (in which case you probably already have a camera), I'd stick with the lower end DSLR’s.

If I have more money to spend, what should I get?

Answer: I'd recommend spending this extra money on a prime lens, rather than a body. Prime lenses usually feature wider apertures, and better optics. A basic portrait lens (55mm, f1.8) or a wide angle lens (35mm, f1.8). You could also spend more on a lens’ aperture, for example by buying the body with an 18-55mm lens that opens up to 1.8 instead of the usual 3.5 f-stop. Or you can buy a full frame sensor camera body (higher image quality, lenses for old 35m cameras work on these)

My local Best Buy has a special deal on a camera with 2 lenses, one long 300mm  zoom lens and one 18-80mm lens. Should I get the deal?

Answer: No. You will not need a huge zoom lens for this class, and unless you become a wildlife or sports photographer or plan to become a paparazzi photographer, you won't be using this type of lens. Negotiate with them to get a good price without the 300mm lens. The best pictures are obtained by physically getting close to your subject. Any photographer can tell if a student has used a zoom lens, and these are generally dubbed as the lens for a lazy photographer….zoom lenses flatten the subject visually.

Why are snap cameras more expensive than DSLR's?

You are paying for the size - if it first in your pocket the quality simply won't be that high especially when you print the images. You will also not have much control of focus and depth of field.

Can I get a used DSLR to save money?

Answer: Yes, you can. Come and see me or visit me Or send me links before making a decision.

My Dad/relative has a bunch of old Nikon lenses. Will they work on a DSLR?

Answer: Yes, they will, although they may not yield the same image size. Ie the amount of space depicted in the lens might be less, because conventional DSLR cameras have a smaller image frame than 35mm had, which makes the lens focal length work differently. The auto focus functions will also not work and you will have to focus manually, which is a good thing.

My Dad/relative has a bunch of old Canon lenses. Will they work on a DSLR?

Answer: Maybe. Some Canon lenses work and some do not. FD and FL lens work on newer canons, but require an adaptor.

Sincerely

Mme Dr Gustave