The "picture" camera thread.

[andyd]

As an aspiring photographer, but not having a lot of expendable cash or knowledge in camera equipment, i figured it would be a good idea for people to come here and share what cameras they use.

Also, explaining cheap tricks with different equipment to get good quality shots.

My cousin - in - law sent this email to me about recommending a cheap good camera with accessories to get good quality.


My goal was not to go over 350 bucks:

okay, getting this south of $350 is tricky, but possible. I'd buy an older advanced point & shoot w/ a flash hotshoe & manual controls... you can always upgrade to a different camera later & use the same lighting gear.

Maybe this camera (The EX condition one; KEH has a great reputation) for $160 -

KEH Camera: Canon Digital - Point & Shoots - G 5 5.0 MEGAPIXEL WITH BATTERY & CHARGER (CF CARD ), DIGITAL AUTO FOCUS POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA

plus this flash for $90 (I own one. It's great, plenty of power, but no-frills) -

Vivitar | 285HV Auto Flash | 233965 | B&H Photo Video

plus this wireless trigger set (so you can fire a flash off-camera) for $37:

http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,11447.html

All that is under $300 before shipping.

Seriously, if you get the basic principles of exposure drilled into your head, you can upgrade anytime. Start small, build as you go. I think you could surprise yourself. Don't get caught up in the gear, but more so in the end result. Learn DIY techniques, like to get the moving car shot in the thumbnail above, you could jerry-rig a mount on the top of a painters pole (every camera has a 1/4" screw hole on the base) & have a buddy hold it out the window, let the camera trigger by the self-timer.

Editing: learn how to work with RAW files (which the camera above supports). Maybe throw in something like Topaz Detail ($40) to add extra punch:

Topaz Detail - Halo-free Detail Enhancement, Sharpening, and Toning

Just thoughts

Get this thread going! Lets learn what you guys are using to get these amazing quality shots!

[1FiTpINOY]

Nikon D40 kit. Shoot the pictures in RAW. and Photoshop..

Hands down the cheapest combo you can do. Das what I use :P

sltuner88's Photo Galleries at pbase.com

that's my portfolio

[solbrothers]

if you want decent pictures, get a dslr. if you want a point and shoot, use your camera phone.

[azncarbos]

Just FYI.....

Show me your camera gear!!!!

[dewthedew]

BTW im selling a D70, with 18-70mm lens(needs servicing zoom ring is tight), battery, charger, 2gb cf card and i can even throw in a camera bag! $500 shipped. I jusut got the D70 back from nikon and they cleaned the whole thing.

Edit: nvm i just read you didnt want to spend that much. Let me know though maybe we can work something out.

[DrKelso]

Originally Posted by azncarbos

Just FYI.....

Show me your camera gear!!!!

^^this

and also...wrong forum