Canon 500D (Rebel T1i, Kiss X3)

[saturndb]

I like some of your fountain shots. I think if you have a photo editing program like photoshop elements or similar and a little bit of time, you can make some of those shots really pop!

 

[klmall]

I really like your close-ups in particular. For a first trip with a dslr they are a good start! What lens(es) did you use?

Some of the shots are particularly dark which as saturndb said a photo editing program would make a big difference. I'd spend time cropping and cloning to eliminate some distractions like the guy in one of your couple poses, highlighting to lighten dark pics, straightening horizons etc. And I personally apply a bit of Focus Magic to many digital shots also for crispness.

Did you take your pictures in RAW format? I see that they are in posted in GIF format. If taken in raw you'll be able to rework more with the originals but even if they began as jpeg they are definitely worth working with.

I really enjoyed the slideshow; it's been three years since my last trip and I am definitely homesick!!!

Thanks for sharing your pictures!

 

[dpmfloyd]

I like some of your fountain shots. I think if you have a photo editing program like photoshop elements or similar and a little bit of time, you can make some of those shots really pop!

thanks for the suggestion, i think i'll look into that for my next purchase

 

[MNGaspar]

Hi All,

I'm fairly new to the boards so please forgive me if this thread is more appropriate for the Resorts thread.

I recently (2 days ago) got my first DSLR camera, a Canon T1i, with the kit 18-55mm lens. I was playing around with it yesterday and really like the camera. I will be staying in Contemporary MK view room 4th of July weekend. I would really like to get a nice closer shot of the Cinderella's Castle (maybe even with fireworks!), but I don't think my kit lens will be able to get it.

Any suggestions on a reasonable priced lens that would get me a little bit closer?

Thanks for any advice that you can give.

 

[mom2rtk]

You will need some sort of telephoto lens. The kit lens just isn't going to do the trick.

Are you hoping for a daytime or a nighttime photo? At night you will definitely need some sort of tripod to do this.

 

[RBennett]

I took this shot in 2007 when I stayed in Contemporary with a MK view. I know that it was at 200mm and my lens went all the way to 300, but that was tighter than I was looking for (at least for this shot.) I will second the need for a tripod, especially at night, just because the slightest movement at that length will give a slight blur or in the least lose some sharpness. The rest of the shots I took from that view are here.

 

[boBQuincy]

From the size of the castle in this 85mm photo it seems that for fireworks your 18-55 would be close enough.

For photos of the castle alone you will probably want more reach. Canon's 55-250 is a good match for your 18-55, it is a sharp lens and not too many $$$. It also has IS. One point, at 55 mm the 55-250 has about a 1 stop advantage on the 18-55 although for fireworks that is not an issue.

 

[MNGaspar]

Thanks for the input everyone. I had a feeling that I would need a telephoto, but was hoping to get away with the kit lens.

Thanks again!

 

[Mckymousefn]

I took this shot in 2007 when I stayed in Contemporary with a MK view. I know that it was at 200mm and my lens went all the way to 300, but that was tighter than I was looking for (at least for this shot.) I will second the need for a tripod, especially at night, just because the slightest movement at that length will give a slight blur or in the least lose some sharpness. The rest of the shots I took from that view are here.

I just checked out your Smugmug site and i really enjoyed looking at your pics!

 

[RBennett]

I just checked out your Smugmug site and i really enjoyed looking at your pics!

Thanks! I owe it all to everyone on here. Everything I know about photography I learned from the people on here, or they told me where to go/what to read to learn what I was looking for.

 

[gbarry27]

First, let me say how happy I am to have found this forum! I've been lurking the Boards for the past few weeks as we are taking a trip to DSW with my son and his family next month --- YAY!!

For our last year's trip to Alaska, I bought a Canon Rebel which was great. I'm an old timey SLR photographer and really enjoyed the huge zoom lens I bought to get great wildlife shots and am hoping I will get some great shots of my grandkids at Disney.

But while on a cruise ship, hanging a SLR around your neck only when you need it is easy enough --- put it back into the humongo case int he cabin when not in use, right? How do I carry this thing around DSW without slamming it into rides, kids, other adults, Mickey, Minnie and a cast of thousands? I'm very clumsy.

I'm looking at a front-load type case that will only hold the camera and lens. Does anyone have any experience with those?

I will take any and all advice.

Thanks in advance,
Grace

 

[bob100]

First, let me say how happy I am to have found this forum! I've been lurking the Boards for the past few weeks as we are taking a trip to DSW with my son and his family next month --- YAY!!

For our last year's trip to Alaska, I bought a Canon Rebel which was great. I'm an old timey SLR photographer and really enjoyed the huge zoom lens I bought to get great wildlife shots and am hoping I will get some great shots of my grandkids at Disney.

But while on a cruise ship, hanging a SLR around your neck only when you need it is easy enough --- put it back into the humongo case int he cabin when not in use, right? How do I carry this thing around DSW without slamming it into rides, kids, other adults, Mickey, Minnie and a cast of thousands? I'm very clumsy.

I'm looking at a front-load type case that will only hold the camera and lens. Does anyone have any experience with those?

I will take any and all advice.

Thanks in advance,
Grace

"front load" ?
for traveling I use this type of case (modified - fits Rebel and two lens)
http://www.adorama.com/DMDH20L.html

 

[gbarry27]

Yes, that's the kind I meant. I guess when I said "front load" I was thinking of a washing machine....


Does anyone have any experience with something smaller and lighter? I am not a big person.

 

[photo_chick]

As far as slamming it into things while walking... a lens hood can help to protect things. I'd suggest Camera Armor, but I don't think they make it for the T1i.

We are Six Flags season pass holders and I took my Rebel XT all over the park, though all kinds of abuse, the last five years. I did crack a lens hood, but I never had any issues with the camera itself.

Check out the Zing camera covers.

 

[MickeyWanaBe]

Does anyone have any experience with something smaller and lighter? I am not a big person.

What I bought was a nice comfy strap or two... Then I got the free one from SmugMug and I LOVE IT! I wear my camera 90% of the time. The strap is super comfy with a little stretch. When I am not using my camera I have a small neoprene case that fits over it to protect it from minor scraps and bumps. When it is in the neoprene case I either wear it across my body or I put in in a small canvas bag that I carry. The only thing in the bag is a park map, times guide, a couple of spare napkins for an emergency and my camera so without the camera it is light and I don't even know it is there. When I take the lens cap and neoprene case off they go in the bag. That is it. If I take and extra lens or other miscellaneous stuff that goes in DH's backpack. This is what I have found to work the best for me.

As I side note I also have the Lowpro Slingshot bag and it is nice for other stuff, but I find it too big for me in the parks.

SmugMug should be so proud of all the advertising I do for them around the parks...

Goofy smile...

edit: I can't find any pictures of it in the neoprene case. It doesn't spend much time in there. If I find one I will post it.

 

[photo_chick]

ooo Yeah, to me a comfy strap is a must. Especially if you have really oily skin, the stock camera straps make me break out really bad when I get all icky in the heat.

I've got the smugmug strap on the camera my daughter uses. On my camera I use a Crumpler Industry Disgrace (I LOVE this strap). OP Tech also makes comfy neoprene straps, Ive got one on an old camera. They make pouches too.

 

[MickeyWanaBe]

ooo Yeah, to me a comfy strap is a must. Especially if you have really oily skin, the stock camera straps make me break out really bad when I get all icky in the heat.

I've got the smugmug strap on the camera my daughter uses. On my camera I use a Crumpler Industry Disgrace (I LOVE this strap). OP Tech also makes comfy neoprene straps, Ive got one on an old camera. They make pouches too.

The two straps I bought were OP Tech and I prefer the SmugMug strap. It is lighter and has more stretch. JMO

I didn't know Crumpler had straps... I also have a small Crumpler bag for my camera that I took to NYC when I went it is nice and small, but it is a pain to get the camera in and out quicky. It just fits in.

 

[MickeyWanaBe]

When I am not using my camera I have a small neoprene case that fits over it to protect it from minor scraps and bumps.

edit: I can't find any pictures of it in the neoprene case. It doesn't spend much time in there. If I find one I will post it.

I recieved a PM about the neoprene case so I took some photos of it and thought I would share them here. When I turned the case inside out I did find a tag that says OP/TECH!

Sorry I was in ahurry when I took these.


I have also purchased camera armor for my camera to try out in June.

 

[photo_chick]

Since this post I've gotten a Lenscoat pouch. Digital camo to match my strap of course. I'm really happy with it. It does the job well.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

so where do you all find "cool" straps? Mines just a plain black one that came with my camera. I hate the strap too cause its too long (im short) to land in a good spot (its mid stomach at its smallest adjustment, which is just BAD cause thats not a very safe spot).