|
Trying to find the best camera to buy? How about finding the best photographic equipment to buy? Read the following questions and answers for help with everything from digital camera ratings and reviews to finding the best film for your old Nikkormat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mary Hay-Freddie
Contact Mary
Mary's Gallery
member since: 7/28/2007
|
|
1
.
camera repairs
I love my olympus E-500 camera but dropped it and now it is not working (Focusing). Would it wise to repair or buy a new camera.
6/4/2013 11:14:06 AM
|
|
|
|
Given the age of that camera, I personally would replace it. If you love that specific model you can pick up a used one on ebay for about $150, but DSLR technology has advanced greatly since the E-500 came out, so you may want to consider a more current model if it is within your budget. Best of luck to you!
6/4/2013 1:48:09 PM
|
|
|
|
All of my research on the internet is telling me I will need a new camera. Thank you for pointing me in that same direction.
6/4/2013 7:26:36 PM
|
Respond |
Ask Your Own Question
|
|
|
Gagan S. Matharoo
member since: 1/11/2010
|
|
2
.
Canon 50 mm lens
HI I am planning to buy a 50 mm lens for use with a Canon 7D and a 5D Mark III Which one would be better the 50 mm 1.8 or the 1.4 Do let me know Thanks
5/8/2013 6:06:15 AM
|
|
|
|
The 1.4 is more expensive and worth the money because of its solid build compared to the 1.8. Both are great in low-light and you'll learn a lot about creative in-camera composition. The 1.8 is a decent lens, but I upgraded to the 1.4 and don't regret it. Reading the reviews on Amazon should be of some help in deciding.
5/8/2013 8:39:28 AM
|
|
|
|
I'd suggest you consider a zoom like the 24 to 105mm or a 28 to 135mm. They are a lot more versatile unless you have a specific use in mind. Of course they are more expensive.
5/19/2013 1:32:16 PM
|
|
|
|
I think the Canon 50/1.8 is one of the best bargains on the planet. It is inexpensive, light, small, and has terrific IQ. Of course the 1.4 is a quality lens but, unless you need that extra aperture, you'll be very happy with the 1.8. If you can find a Version I of the 1.8, it was made more durable with more metal in the construction, but it tends to be a bit more pricey on the used market than a new Version II.
6/15/2013 11:19:36 AM
|
Respond |
Ask Your Own Question
|
|
|
Donna L. Jones
Contact Donna
Donna's Gallery
member since: 4/22/2002
|
|
3
.
1.8 lense...Good Choice?
I am thinking of buying either the Canon 50 mm 1.8 or the 85 mm 1.8. Anyone have an opinion? I can't afford the L series lenses right now or I would do that but between these two? Advice?
4/25/2013 9:30:34 PM
|
|
|
|
Both are good lenses. What's your own opinion on what you want to use them for? The 50mm is close to how things look with just your eyes. The 85mm is a short telephoto that has just the hint of the compression that some people want for portraits, face stuff. Lets people back away a little when either or both the photographer and subject get a little nervous or self conscious. But you don't get any reach with a 85mm.
Lotta people think that a 50mm doesn't make a good portrait lens, but I say it does. It's got an intimate feel. But I think that's what people are worried about.
4/26/2013 8:52:21 AM
|
|
|
|
Don't overlook the new (and CHEAP) 40mm f 2.8. I am using it on a full-frame SLR and I am amazed at the sharpness, contrast, and lack of visible distortion. Some photos think that the 40 more closely approximates the field of vision. It stays on my 5DII now as my general-purpose lens.
4/27/2013 3:09:25 PM
|
|
|
|
I have to respond here even though I am a Nikon guy....You might want to look at the Sigma 1.4 50 mm; It beats the Nikon 50mm hands down; (I use it with my D600); although I don't know how the Canon 50 mm compares to the Sigma. A lot of my friends use it as a walking around lens and as a portrait lens as well. Better color rendition than the Nikkor equivalent and Tac Sharp results. Do your research and don't be afraid to buy other party lenses...some are better than the original manufacturers! :-)
5/6/2013 8:13:06 PM
|
|
|
|
Thanks so much for te helpful feedback!
5/6/2013 10:11:42 PM
|
Respond |
Ask Your Own Question
|
|
|
Gagan S. Matharoo
member since: 1/11/2010
|
|
4
.
Upgrade to 5D MkIII or 1Dx
Hi allI am doing mostly wildlife( big cats and birds) and travel landscape photography. I am currently using a 7D. I have read and watched a lot of reviews of both the 5D MkII and 1Dx and now am in a dilemma as to which one. Could you guys give your feedbacks on both the models. Thanks
3/30/2013 5:33:48 AM
|
|
|
|
1dx. Canon put all their best into this one body. I shoot a Nikon D3s for wildlife and landscapes and if I switched to Canon the 1Dx would be the one.
4/7/2013 4:31:07 AM
|
Respond |
Ask Your Own Question
|
|
|
shannon whit
member since: 9/8/2011
|
|
5
.
selling gear
Hello. Does anyone know the best way to sell used equipment? I have a Canon 7d that I used for 16 months. I would like to upgrade. Have any of you sold equipment before? Thanks.
3/18/2013 3:46:42 PM
|
|
|
|
Shannon I sold a camera body and several lenses over the past several years on eBay with great success. Might also consider contacting local photo clubs in your area. Good luck!
3/21/2013 4:24:36 AM
|
|
|
|
eBay has always worked for me.
3/21/2013 6:10:33 AM
|
shannon whit
member since: 9/8/2011
|
|
I'm so silly. I totally forgot about eBay. Thanks!
3/21/2013 6:38:32 PM
|
|
|
|
Try Fredmiranda.com
3/24/2013 4:04:39 PM
|
shannon whit
member since: 9/8/2011
|
|
Thank you Nicholas!
3/25/2013 11:38:30 PM
|
Respond |
Ask Your Own Question
|
|
|
Luciana Gnone
member since: 1/27/2011
|
|
6
.
Camera Store in San Francisco
My name is Luciana and I´m one of your students. I´m going to US in SF for a week. Would like to find a good camera store to buy some stuffs and also want to find a place that can transform an old Nikon D40 in infrared.
3/11/2013 4:13:02 PM
|
|
|
|
Your question made me curious, so I tried Google to see what came up. Now I have never been to San Francisco, however, I know the reputation that a company called Calumet has.
And it turns out, there is a Calumet store in San Francisco. So that is one to look into. It should have plenty of stuff to choose from. But I don't know if they can change your camera to infrared.
Ciao bella, or whatever you're supposed to say.
3/12/2013 9:21:21 PM
|
|
|
|
I also agree - visit Calumet, they are VERY nice and helpful there. I wish I knew about the Infrared. Have a safe and fun trip!
3/16/2013 3:51:12 PM
|
Respond |
Ask Your Own Question
|
|
|
Rahul Sharma
member since: 7/15/2007
|
|
7
.
Suggestion Needed for purchase of Lens
Hi...
I have recently purchased Canon EOS Rebel T3i/600D Camera with 18-55 lens. Now to explore further I want to buy another lens within reasonable price range. My interest ranges from telephoto to macro and I am looking for a telephoto lens with macro capability. Can someone suggest a good lens which can satisfy my requirement?
2/8/2013 7:27:14 AM
|
|
|
|
Canon makes a macro telephoto that is I believe a 180mm. And I think Sigma makes one the same focal length.
There might be some other brands that make a zoom lens that has macro ability. Although they usually don't give as much magnification as what would be called a true macro lens.
2/8/2013 12:53:06 PM
|
Respond |
Ask Your Own Question
|
|
|
Nevia Cashwell
Contact Nevia
Nevia's Gallery
imagesbynevia.com
member since: 12/9/2004
|
|
8
.
Ultrabook for Photo Work
Hello. I am in the market for an laptop that is light enough to be considered portable and powerful and fast enough to run Photoshop. Any suggestions or experiences with any? Been in the Windows world a long time but will not rule out converting to Mac. 1. What is smallest screen size recommended for photo editing with Elements 11? 2. Do I really need an Intel I7 vs I5 processor and if so, what GHz is needed? 3. How much RAM is recommended? 4. How large a hard drive is recommended? would appreciate any advice or hands on experience. There is a lot of info on the Internet but it all gets so confusing. Cost is always a factor but in this case, getting something that will last me a while and perform well is far more important than cost. Thanks in advance.
Nevia
1/26/2013 10:35:49 AM
|
|
|
|
Nevia, I've had windows based computers and Macs both. Each of these lasted as long as the memory required. However, software always requires larger HDs as time goes by and software sucks up the memory. I finally converted to MAC because of greater memory and much less problem I.e. no problems with freezing or viruses. The current photoshop software will tell you how much memory and hard drive power you will need to run it. This will depend on whether or not you are using Ps elements, or CS6, or one of the other creative suites, and any added plug ins. My first Mac lasted a little over 2 and a 1/2 years, but after that time , I began having memory problems-memory sucking software, and also had website problems. If you can afford it, it is well-worth the money to get the most memory and power you can afford on any type of computer. I have the largest and most memory for my most current laptop that this kind has with the largest screen, and it is well worth the extra money to not go through the problems I had with the other one. If money is an issue, get an older version of Ps at a much reduced price. Laptops are lighter and thinner these days, and easier to carry. The screen size does matter only to your personal preference. I got the largest for my laptop just because of my vision problems. Most stores selling you a computer will be willing to consult with you on your specific needs without any obligation to buy from them. Good luck to you, and let us know what happens.
1/29/2013 6:26:47 AM
|
|
|
|
I'll second Nancy - I switched to Mac (their MacBook Pro laptop) a few years ago, and have been very, very happy with it. I do all my photo editing on this laptop, exclusively; no other computer at home, nor any external monitor. It is a few years (3+) old now, with 250gb hard drive, 8gb RAM (had 4 when I purchased, I added 4 more later) and I run PSCS4; I got the 15" monitor version of the laptop. They've since come out with their "RetinaDisplay" option on some of their laptops, so I could now get a smaller 13" laptop, and the screen would actually have greater pixel resolution than my existing 15" screen! Ah, technology! I believe the latest MacBook Pro's have also eliminated CD Drives - making them even thinner and lighter... (Apple makes an external optional CD drive if that is critical to you.) That was probably my only complaint for my MacBook Pro - the 15" version gets to feeling heavy after awhile, if you are traveling frequently with it. (I used to commute DC-NYC every week with it, and sometimes wished I had the 13" version for more compact size and lower weight back then.) That may no longer be a concern on the latest, lighter models. Any new mid-range-or-better laptop you consider today, will undoubtedly be more than beefy enough for working in Elements or even PhotoShop itself. Try to get a healthy amount of RAM (I'd say 8gb minimum; get more if not too expensive.) If you shoot RAW files, those get quite large, so hard drive space may become more important. Most laptops have a min. 250gb drive, with options for 500gb, 1TB, or more. There are solid-state drives available too (they have no spinning disc inside like a traditional drive) and they are lightning-fast as a result (but also more expensive.) And above all, be sure to include an external backup of some kind, if you're not already doing that...!
1/30/2013 6:10:10 AM
|
|
|
|
ok. so now I am heavily leaning towards a 15 inch Macbook Pro. Should I get the relatively new Retina Display model? I have googled and found some people unhappy with the retina display models. complaints revolve around screen burn in and delay in repainting images.
2/1/2013 10:42:37 AM
|
|
|
|
Couldn't give an opinion myself, as I've not yet used or handled the Apple Retina Displays. Do you have Apple stores nearby (or other retails carrying MacBook Pro line) that you could go examine one for yourself and ask about those concerns?
2/1/2013 10:52:10 AM
|
|
|
|
I do have the retina display on my 15" laptop, but I here it better displays on the desktop stand alone. You should really go to an Apple store or, if there is not one near you, they have an online store. There is a recommended screen resolution for the retina displays that you should use. I can honestly say that my photos have never looked better displayed than on the retina screen, and I only have the 15" screen. My best advice is to talk to Apple with all your concerns. Their techs are very knowledgeable.
2/1/2013 12:21:23 PM
|
|
|
|
thanks to all for the info. There is an Apple store nearby so I will visit the store before making a purchase.
2/1/2013 12:24:01 PM
|
|
|
|
I took the MacBook plunge and my 15 inch with retina display has arrived. Photos do look so much better but I want to make sure I have the most true to life color display possible. Does anyone have any recommended settings or is what comes out of the box the best settings for photos? Thanks in advance for all info. Nevia
2/14/2013 5:13:48 AM
|
|
|
|
I haven't used a calibration device on my laptop screen, but I did go through the "Advanced" calibration wizard that comes with the Mac (under Displays.) Takes about 5-10 minutes to run through the various "tests" - at the end, based on your answers to those tests, it updates a calibration profile. Made a nice difference!
(PS---you should consider doing that wizard in the physical location, and typical lighting, of the room/desk/space where you will do most of your editing.)
2/14/2013 5:24:26 AM
|
|
|
|
X-Rite makes a color calibration system that is top notch, although it is quite expensive. Your new Apple retina will have one built in. It can be found in "settings." It does not, however, calibrate your printer or any other devices as the X-Rite and other systems do. You may want to do some research on "Color Calibration Systems" before you decide. I purchased a Color-Munki from X-Rite about 6 years ago for $400.00, and it was worth every penny, but then I was printing my own photos which I no longer do. Now, I just use it to calibrate my monitor, so it's color will match what I upload to the web and send off for printing.
2/14/2013 5:42:50 AM
|
|
|
|
Thanks, Nancy. I don't print my own photos so I'll just try the built in calibration.
2/14/2013 5:48:34 AM
|
Respond |
Ask Your Own Question
|
|
|
Alexandra K. Stevenson
member since: 11/19/2003
|
|
9
.
Pentax K-5II
My Canon T3i is having problems. I was on the verge of upgrading to a 60D, but have been reading very favorable reviews of the Pentax K-5II, which has been beating Canon and Nikon in photo quality. Does anyone have an opinion? Thanks.
1/23/2013 9:24:29 AM
|
|
|
|
If you don't mind buying new lenses, nothing wrong with a switch.
1/24/2013 12:05:31 PM
|
|
|
|
I am a Pentax owner, although not of the K-5 or the II version. As I understand it, you get a sensor made by the same company as the ones Nikon uses. Pentax is not for you if you split hairs on one $1,000+ lens over another. What you get with Pentax is the DA-series decent very compact prime lenses, and a significantly lighter package to carry around. The kit zoom that comes with it is as good as any other maker's kit zoom. Note, too, that the independent makers, Tamron, Tokina, Sigma, etc make lenses that work on Pentax.
2/9/2013 9:56:11 AM
|
|
|
|
In doing some research for myself, I find the cheaper K-30 has weather sealing and slightly better low-light performance and better RAW dynamic range than even the K-5's, for significantly less money. My DA 21mm lives on my current K-r, making for a very compact SLR with about a 32mm crop factor equivalent.
2/11/2013 9:54:01 AM
|
Respond |
Ask Your Own Question
|
|
|
Peter Appelbaum
Contact Peter
Peter's Gallery
member since: 9/7/2006
|
|
10
.
Wide format printers
I am in the market for a new wide format photo printer. Any suggestions?
12/24/2012 5:43:27 AM
|
|
|
|
I absolutely love my Epson 3880. The image quality is stunning. It goes on sale with rebates frequently and the ink tubs are large enough to make it worth the difference in cost.
6/15/2013 11:22:51 AM
|
Respond |
Ask Your Own Question
|
