Let’s Talk Cameras…

Stacy (The Land of K.A.) posts photography tips each and every Saturday. She always has great tips and I love reading what she has to say. And check out her photographs! They’re awesome!

Anyway, this past Saturday she posted a list of questions pertaining to our cameras. The idea is to help folks who are trying to make a decision on what type of camera to purchase. And, since I regularly get questions about what type of camera I use and what type of equipment I have, I thought this might be a good idea for a Monday blog post.

These are the questions:

1. DSLR or point and shoot? Brand and model.
2. Love it? Hate it? Not sure yet?
3. Why did you choose this brand?
4. If you have a DSLR, what lenses do you have or want to have.
5. Add a link to your favorite image(s) you took with your camera so others can see what it is capable of creating.
6. Anything else you think is important for someone buying a new camera to know.

OK, number one: My primary camera is a Canon 20D. This is a DSLR camera, and this particular model is no longer being manufactured having been replaced by the 30D and 40D versions. These models of camera are one step up from the “beginner” DSLR cameras like the Canon Rebel XT and Rebel XTi, but not quite professional-level. I also own a Canon Powershot SD800 IS Digital Elph. That’s a point-and-shoot, and it lives in my purse or my pocket always. The majority of the photographs I post here and on Flickr are taken with the 20D, but sometimes I’ll post one from the baby camera. Usually you won’t be able to tell the difference unless you’re really looking.

Number two: I love my 20D. Love it. I also love my little point and shoot Canon. There are little things about each one I would change (I’d like a bigger viewing screen and more focus points on the 20D, and I’d really like a battery life indicator on the baby camera) but mostly I’m thrilled.

Number three: Let’s see…I originally purchased a Canon Rebel XT, which is now owned by my brother. At the time my choice was between the Canon Rebel XT and the Nikon D50. I didn’t choose the Canon out of any brand loyalty or anything. It simply felt better in my hands, and I got a better price on it through Amazon than I could get on the Nikon. I’ve since had the opportunity to shoot with a Nikon D80, and while it was very nice and took beautiful photos I didn’t feel the controls were as intuitive as they are on my Canon. Of course, it could just take some getting used to, also.

Number four: Oh my. My favorite camera topic! Lenses! Let’s see… The lens I use most often is a Sigma 17-70mm f2.8 zoom lens. I LOVE this lens. It’s got a fairly wide angle, but also zooms in close enough to get the boys if they’re playing on the other side of the yard. I rarely take this lens off of my camera. I also have the “nifty fifty”, or the economical Canon 50mm 1.8. People typically rave about this lens, and I guess it’s alright, but I’m not a big fan of prime lenses. My kids move too fast! When I want to photograph something still and not too far away, this is a good lens. I own a Canon 70-300 lens, another one that I rarely use. Mostly because it’s difficult to hold steady at it’s full zoom, and I hardly ever use a tripod. I purchased this lens in hopes of doing some wildlife photography, but I haven’t really ever put it to the test. Over the holidays I rented that Sigma 10-20mm super wide angle lens, and now that’s on my wish list. It will be the next lens that I purchase–I really loved shooting with it and it allows for some very creative photography. I’d also like an 85mm prime lens. Mainly in hopes of doing some portrait work (my kids, family, etc… not a business venture!) and because it takes such wonderful photographs with excellent bokeh (bokeh is the fuzzy out of focus background behind the sharp in focus subject).

Number five: Visit my Flickr page. Seriously. I don’t post a photo there if I don’t love it. Probably 75% of the photos there were taken with the 20D, the rest with the Rebel or the little Canon point and shoot. On each individual photo page you can look off to the right and it’ll tell you which camera was used, along with specific camera settings if you’re interested.

Number six: A photograph is captured by the camera, but first it must be seen by the photographer. I’ve had more than one person look at my photographs and immediately ask what kind of camera I have–implying that if they had the same camera they could produce the same results. Perhaps they could. Likely not. Because even 1 year ago, with the same camera I couldn’t produce the same results! It takes some measure of talent, desire, and luck to be able to produce wonderful photographs, not to mention practice and more practice…the camera is just the tool you use to get there.