Thursday, April 23, 2009

Calling all Photographer Friends!!

I could squeal with delight. Really.

I am finally, finally, finally taking the plunge and getting a DSLR!! This has been a long time coming and I'm even surprising myself that I'm choosing an electronic device over stuff for my house. But I've had the photography itch for a long time and am finally going to scratch it.

So.. this is where you all come in. I am so lucky to have many friends who are AMAZING photographers! I'm trying to finalize my decision but want to know what equipment and lenses you all use/recommend. For now I need a good multi purpose lens (since I can only afford one at the moment). I'm also doing the Nikon/Canon debate but will say that I am leaning toward the Nikon D90 (the one with HD video capability).

So please, please give me all your advice and tips!

And please forgive that I haven't commented on a single blog in about 2 weeks. I'm in deep with a crazy project right now -- stay tuned -- all will be revealed very soon.

{PS- I just realized this is my 500th post!! Holy cow. I think we should celebrate! But I'll have to think on that one for a bit!}

6 comments:

Kerry and Dave said...

I just took the plunge myself and bought a Nikon for Dave for Christmas. I decided to go "cheap" and only got the D40, but we absolutely LOVE it and it suits all our needs. We've gotten some great pictures, but still need to spend more time "playing" with it and figuring out all the capabilities. I think we'll probably upgrade in the next couple of years, but for now, it's great!

Wendie said...

The new Canon 5D has HD video too :) I'd be VERY jealous if you got that one. Lenses . . .hmm . . . . depends on how much you want to spend . . . I love my 24-70 and 70-200, but they're both as much as the camera itself. A typical favorite that's much less expensive is the 50mm or the 85mm. These are both prime lenses, so no zoom, but you'd just have to move your body. I've heard good things about the 28-135, but not sure on the price on that one. I've found Amazon to be the best and cheapest place for camera equipment. Check the reviews on lenses there and let that guide you.

Hilary said...

Yay!!!!! I'm happy for you!

I love Nikons... The D90 sounds awesome. Video capability? Wow!

Amy Smith said...

I am a Canon girl so I can't comment about the model you are looking at. I will give you some good tips though.

Do NOT buy the kit lens or any kits that you see retailers selling!! Please avoid the kits. Many retailers put in sub-par generic brand items that are not reliable.

You need to start out with a 50mm 1.8 lens. That is a good lens for starting out. Don't buy any other lenses until you get used to the camera and you know what else you need your camera to do.

Honestly, if I was starting out again here is what I would buy:

Used good condition Canon 40d if you have a budget or a new 50d, Canon 430 ex flash, Canon 50mm 1.8, two Sandisk Extreme III 4 gig memory cards, Photoshop CS3 (buy on Ebay for great deals) and camera bag. If this costs too much, then bump the camera down to the XSi. The flash and Photoshop is a must in my opinion.

As far as books go, I highly recommend Digital Photography by Scott Kelby, Understanding Exposure by Brian Peterson.

And girl, you are buying something for your home, this is your future wall art!

Call me if you need to chat about any of this. Much easier than typing it all out.

Kristi said...

Lucky girl! I don't know enough to offer advice, but I'm excited for you. :)

Laurie said...

Hi Monique. Happy anniversary today April 27. I love you and Allen and bless the day you found each other and married in the Denver Temple. I'm praying for your mother and all of you. Mom Frost