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What do you shoot?

#1
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3/24/08 at 6:02pm
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What kind of digital camera are you using?

I currently have a Nikon D80 w/18-135mm, Olympus C-8080WZ, and a Canon A560 P&S that I carry in my laptop case everywhere.

Anybody else in here a photo nut? Casual or otherwise.

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#2
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3/25/08 at 4:58am
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Re: What do you shoot?

Right now I have a Canon Digital Rebel XT w/ EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS, EF-S 10-22mm, EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS and EF 50mm f/1.8 lenses.

I plan on upgrading to the Canon 40D very soon. I'm just waiting to see if Canon announces a rebate in the U.S. -- they've already announced rebates for Europe and Canada.
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#3
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3/25/08 at 12:20pm
  • Joined: October 1997
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Re: What do you shoot?

I shoot a Canon 20D and a Nikon D300. I was somewhat underwhelmed with the upgrade the 30D brought and was pretty stoked about the 40D until A. I held it in my hands and it just didnt feel right to me and B. the D300 was announced. I have both Nikon and Canon glass from the film age so had the luxury of giving the D300 a shot and am very happy with it so far. Both are amazing cams but you gotta try em both out and see which one works for you. I'm still hoping for a 5D replacement that blows em both away and which lets me use my canon Ls at their native full frame imaging area.

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#4
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3/25/08 at 12:20pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

Nikon D300, with a 50mm 1.8D, and an 80-200 2.8 AF-S.

CJ

And then when I feel so stuffed I can't eat anymore, I just use the restroom! And then I CAN eat more!

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#5
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3/25/08 at 2:58pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

Hehheh...

Did you actually mean "photo nut" or gear head?

When you asked what we "shoot" (in the subject title), I thought you were gonna ask about the kinds of photos, not the gear. Just wait til John Rice drops by again.

Anyway, I guess I mostly shoot street photography (and whatever variants of it) as that's what interests me most (as a "shooter"). And partly because of my interests, I went w/ the Nikon system when the D70 was introduced a few years back -- and now, I use the D200 since its introduction (though I still have the old D70). I tend to use mainly Nikkor prime lenses in the normal-to-short-tele focal length ranges (after accounting for APS crop anyway), but I do also use a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 and Nikkor 180 f/2.8 on the longer end and the Nikkor 18-70 DX (mainly for wide angle) and Sigma 20 f/1.8. Occasionally, I also use Nikon's SB800 speedlight for events and such. Hate lugging pods (and don't really have as much use for them for street photography anyway), but I have a set of affordable carbon fiber legs from Fiesol -- have a basic Bogen tilt/swivel head w/ QR, and still need to go pick up a decent ballhead (probably the Giottos 3000 w/ same QR as the Bogen head).

Had been debating about some lens upgrades/additions and such, but have put all those on hold since various other things (like the violin ) have taken priority lately.

No plans to upgrade the camera body for the forseeable future although the D300's AF system looks very nice. Probably won't upgrade again until Nikon's semi-pro line up goes full frame.

For something compact, I occasionally use my wife's Fuji F20 for snaps, but I generally lug my DSLR (w/ a couple lenses or three) just about everywhere.

_Man_

Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".

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#6
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3/25/08 at 3:15pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Man-Fai Wong
When you asked what we "shoot" (in the subject title), I thought you were gonna ask about the kinds of photos, not the gear.

That was my initial thought when I saw the thread title, too. To play along with Man's response, my main subjects of interest are landscapes and wildlife. I do use my dSLR setup for family events, too, but those "people" shots are more like family album snapshots than serious photography. I'm much better at composing landscapes than capturing quality images of people. It's a skill I need to work on.

I'm not too fond of tripods, either, but I do need to add a better one to my kit when I finally get a better quality long lens (something in the 400-500mm range) for wildlife shooting. Right now I have an inexpensive (less than $100) Manfrotto that works okay, but can be cumbersome to pan and follow wildlife. It showed its limitations last summer in Yellowstone.
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#7
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3/25/08 at 3:53pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

I thought the same thing! I mainly shoot my family, my town and do lots of Thomas Hawk style Photowalks, tho lately I've been shooting the moon and havent even played a single round of spades!

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#8
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3/25/08 at 4:11pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Posten
tho lately I've been shooting the moon and havent even played a single round of spades!

I usually only try to shoot the moon when I play Bridge (and of course, it rarely works out, but I guess that's not too different than using a 200mm lens ). Haven't played much Bridge in a looooong time though.

_Man_

Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".

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#9
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3/25/08 at 7:11pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

I'm using a Nikon Coolpix 5000 that's six years old, mostly for architectural photos and neon signs.
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#10
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3/25/08 at 9:58pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Man-Fai Wong
When you asked what we "shoot" (in the subject title), I thought you were gonna ask about the kinds of photos, not the gear. Just wait til John Rice drops by again.

_Man_
I'm not saying anything...


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Some bright-eyed and crazy, some frightened and lost.
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#11
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3/26/08 at 10:02am
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Re: What do you shoot?

Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnRice
I'm not saying anything...
The list must be too long, can you give us some highlights?

CJ

And then when I feel so stuffed I can't eat anymore, I just use the restroom! And then I CAN eat more!

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#12
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3/26/08 at 1:45pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Christ Reynolds
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnRice
Quote:
Originally Posted by Man-Fai Wong
When you asked what we "shoot" (in the subject title), I thought you were gonna ask about the kinds of photos, not the gear. Just wait til John Rice drops by again.

I'm not saying anything...

The list must be too long, can you give us some highlights?

CJ









...



_Man_

Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".

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#13
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3/26/08 at 2:05pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

My interest has always been people, captured candidly or in the photojournalist "style" but I do like portraits too. The latter is more of a challenge since there are things about it that don't come naturally to me - giving direction, constant feedback, etc. If my inherent nature had its way I would also be shooting with a telephoto from far, far away all the time, but I've learned that my shyness is something that needs to be set aside if I want to get the kinds of images I want. Photography is challenging technically and artistically, but I've also discovered it can be a great challenge on a personal level.

He was one of those people who would be neither a follower nor a leader, but only an aspiring heart, impatient in the failing body which imprisoned it. -- T. H. White, "The Once and Future King"

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#14
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3/31/08 at 2:12pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

I'm of the guerilla-style photo-taking of cos-players and celebs. I like candid photos better than the composed "we were there" shots that people usually ask me to take on a moment's notice.

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#15
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4/17/08 at 3:17am
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Re: What do you shoot?

Currently i am using Sony Alpha (10.20 Megapixels).
I usually not make use of it.But occasionally i make use of it.
It is very interesting to me to shoot photos with it.I have very recently bought it.
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#16
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4/17/08 at 3:47am
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Re: What do you shoot?

I have a Canon 30D with a 100-400L and 17-40L. I shoot mostly birds and love aviation photography. Johnathan

See my updated setup in the galleries section. Johnathan\'s Theater

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#17
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4/23/08 at 10:01am
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Re: What do you shoot?

Just picked up a Tokina 28-70 f2.8 for $200 on Craigslist. For those not wanting to spend the $1,600 on the Nikon equivalent, this lens is a steal. I'm sure the Nikon is superior in every way, but for this price, this lens is a great deal. All metal construction, very solid.

CJ

And then when I feel so stuffed I can't eat anymore, I just use the restroom! And then I CAN eat more!

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#18
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4/23/08 at 12:38pm
  • Joined: December 1998
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Re: What do you shoot?

I'm not familiar with the Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8, but have heard good things about the Tamron 28-70mm f/2.8 lens -- at least for Canon mounts. For $200, though, it's hard to go wrong, Christ.

BTW, I upgraded from the Canon Digital Rebel XT to a Canon 40D a couple of weeks ago. I had a chance to give the new camera a workout last week on vacation in Myrtle Beach. Here are a few photos with the new camera.

The 40D is quite a step up for me. The ergonomics are a major improvement over my old Rebel, as most of the commonly used functions can be directly accessed via their own buttons instead of through the menus. The auto focus system is improved, and I love the larger, brighter viewfinder. Spot metering is quite useful, too. I tried a few shots at ISO 3200 at an indoor reptile house, and was quite surprised how well they turned out. All photos were taken in RAW and converted to JPEG with Canon's Digital Photo Professional software. I adjusted white balance and exposure on a few shots when necessary.
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#19
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5/2/08 at 7:49am
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Re: What do you shoot?

Hey Scott!

I just upgraded to a 40D (had it for 2 days) from my XTi and would agree with you that it is easier to change functions and better in all ways than the XTi. It is pretty heavy but I use a neoprene strap which takes the weight off a bit. I love the new viewfinder but was a bit perturbed when I noticed graininess in the viewfinder along with a couple of dust spots. Turns out the graininess is normal and the dust spots are on the focusing screen not the sensor. Not worth the trouble of returning it for that.

I too shoot RAW and convert in DPP - mine came with version 3.3 which is a new upgrade not available for download on Canon website yet. Gives better NR control and has more lenses in the lens correction section.

Happy with it so far!
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#20
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5/2/08 at 7:53am
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Re: What do you shoot?

So to you 40d users, what settings do you have for C.fn IV? I'm so used to having the shutter release lock focus and exposure that it's taken me a bit to adjust to having the option of the AF-ON button. Using the "*" button for AE lock is a little easier since there was that button on the Digital Rebel.

He was one of those people who would be neither a follower nor a leader, but only an aspiring heart, impatient in the failing body which imprisoned it. -- T. H. White, "The Once and Future King"

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#21
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5/2/08 at 8:24am
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Re: What do you shoot?

I haven't figured out the AF-ON button yet - I guess I had better read the manual. OK - the manual says it is the same as pressing the shutter button halfway and is available in Creative Zone modes. Also it can be used with Live View which might be where you need it. I don't know because I haven't tried Live View yet.
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#22
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5/2/08 at 8:37am
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Re: What do you shoot?

I've tried Live View and it's handy for macro photography, but I don't see it especially functional for anything else. I was sort of hoping it would be like using a compact digital's LCD, but it's not really designed to work that way.

My question about the C.fn. IV preference is just because I've read how some shooters prefer the separation of having the shutter release just be about taking the picture and/or exposure and the AF-On button just be about controlling focus. I'm hesitant to try changing habits for any critical situation, so I'll have to try it over an extended period. It's even a little weird for me to have exposure settings change when I lock focus and recompose; I'm so used to the Rebel and previous film SLRs locking exposure and focus with the half press of the shutter release.

He was one of those people who would be neither a follower nor a leader, but only an aspiring heart, impatient in the failing body which imprisoned it. -- T. H. White, "The Once and Future King"

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#23
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5/2/08 at 8:57am
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Re: What do you shoot?

I haven't noticed any difference with this on the 40D over the XTi. If I press the shutter button halfway to get focus/exposure and then recompose before pressing down it is locked. I only use the * button if I want to lock exposure from a different area than where I want to focus. This works the same on the XTi and 40D.
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#24
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5/2/08 at 9:15am
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Re: What do you shoot?

Marianne,

The added weight of the 40D over my Rebel XT has not been a problem here. In fact, I like the way my bigger lenses (EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 and EF 70-200 f/4 IS L) balance on the new body. They were too big on my old camera. I do need to invest in a better camera strap, though, as you did to distribute the weight better when carrying the camera.

My 40D also came with DPP version 3.3. It works very well. The RAW files for the 40D are huge, though! They are about twice as big as the XT's, even though the megapixels only went from 8 MP to 10 MP.

Cameron, I have not tried the AF-On button yet, either. Like you, I am so used to the half-press of the shutter button method for focusing that I haven't tried another method yet. If I need to lock focus on an area different from where I need to meter for exposure, I usually move my focus point to one of the non-centered ones (or I'll just shoot "manual"). The 40D makes this much easier than my Rebel XT via the joystick on the back of the camera.

I played with Live View a little just to see how it works. I doubt it's a feature I'll use much. As Cameron said, it could be useful for macro work on a tripod, but I do very little of that. I never liked trying to compose a photo on the LCD's of point & shoots... holding a camera away from your body is poor technique as it's hard to hold the camera steady (at least for me).

I do like the three custom settings on the mode dial. I have setup two so far -- one in manual mode customized for indoor flash, and one for outdoor action (AI Servo, high starting shutter speed, etc.). I'm not sure what I'll use #3 for yet.
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#25
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5/2/08 at 9:57am
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Re: What do you shoot?

Quote:
I haven't noticed any difference with this on the 40D over the XTi. If I press the shutter button halfway to get focus/exposure and then recompose before pressing down it is locked. I only use the * button if I want to lock exposure from a different area than where I want to focus. This works the same on the XTi and 40D.
I've been using the original Rebel (300d) for the past four years and focus and exposure would lock with the shutter half-press on that model. Now with the 40d if you focus and recompose, the focus stays locked, but the exposure adjusts (if needed) with the adjusted composition. I don't THINK there's a setting that affects this and in many ways it makes sense. It's just something I need to get used to.

He was one of those people who would be neither a follower nor a leader, but only an aspiring heart, impatient in the failing body which imprisoned it. -- T. H. White, "The Once and Future King"

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#26
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5/2/08 at 10:22am
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Re: What do you shoot?

Scott, this is the strap I use and it distributes the weight nicely.

Tamrac | N-27 Boomerang Quick Release Strap (Black) | N2701


Cameron, I guess I haven't noticed that yet but I suppose it makes sense if you're using Evaluative Metering, not sure about the other modes.
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#27
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5/2/08 at 12:07pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

Thanks for the link, Marianne. I need to order a few other accessories for the 40D from B&H anyway. For one, I did not know that the 40D uses a different remote shutter release than the Rebel series. So, I need a new one (and the person who bought my old camera got a free cable release).
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#28
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5/2/08 at 9:24pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

Hmmm... If the AF-On button of the 40D is anything like that on the D200-and-up/later Nikons (and maybe also D80, but not sure), you might find it useful for shooting action w/ whatever continuous focus mode the 40D allows. People often use the AF-On button on the Nikons *not* so much to lock focus, but to do continuous focusing (w/ the extensive AF system available) when shooting action, birds in flight, and such. That way you don't need to lock exposure too soon since you'd be tracking a moving target.

_Man_

Just another amateur learning to paint w/ "the light of the world".

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#29
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5/3/08 at 6:03am
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Re: What do you shoot?

That's a good point, Man. I've just started attempting some birds in flight shooting, which is quite a difficult skill to learn. I'll have to give the AF-On technique a try next time I'm shooting BIF.
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#30
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5/9/08 at 4:08pm
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Re: What do you shoot?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cameron Yee
I've been using the original Rebel (300d) for the past four years and focus and exposure would lock with the shutter half-press on that model. Now with the 40d if you focus and recompose, the focus stays locked, but the exposure adjusts (if needed) with the adjusted composition. I don't THINK there's a setting that affects this and in many ways it makes sense. It's just something I need to get used to.
So I figured out the behavior and confirmed it with the manual (yeah, I know, backwards).

Anyways, the exposure locks with focus only when in Evaluative Metering mode. With all other metering the exposure settings will adjust with the composition unless the AE Lock is pressed. It's on page 76 of the manual.

He was one of those people who would be neither a follower nor a leader, but only an aspiring heart, impatient in the failing body which imprisoned it. -- T. H. White, "The Once and Future King"

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