I Realized Something While Drooling Over New Camera Gear

[mabas9395]

I've been reading lately about the new Canon 7D and I'm pretty impressed. Then they announced a new 1D Mark IV which is out of my price range but still had me thinking it's pretty sweet.

I've also been looking at lenses and trying to decide on a new walk around lens (comparing the canon 24-70 f/2.8 and 24-105 f/4.0). But I also want some longer glass and the 100-400 looks attractive but some rumor forums think it could be next for an update.

I'd also like to get more into off camera flash and have been reading about the pros/cons of going strobist with just speedlites or maybe getting some alien bees.

And my computer is over five years old so lightroom and Photoshop are sooooo slow so Ive been looking into what the are some good specs for a photo/video editing computer.

And I recently got an iPhone, so I've been looking around for some cool photography apps.

So what I've finally realized is what I really need (more than any of the above gear) is to just use the gear I got and go out and take some pictures.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I love it I keep saying the same thing......than I go back online 20 minutes later to see it I can find a deal on something else.

 

[MICKEY88]

I thought you were going to say that you realized you need a second job to buy all your new tools..

I have a set of studio lights and haven't been using them,, speedlights are so much easier for location shooting, easier transport, no need for a power source..etc...

 

[jann1033]

I've been reading lately about the new Canon 7D and I'm pretty impressed. Then they announced a new 1D Mark IV which is out of my price range but still had me thinking it's pretty sweet.

I've also been looking at lenses and trying to decide on a new walk around lens (comparing the canon 24-70 f/2.8 and 24-105 f/4.0). But I also want some longer glass and the 100-400 looks attractive but some rumor forums think it could be next for an update.

I'd also like to get more into off camera flash and have been reading about the pros/cons of going strobist with just speedlites or maybe getting some alien bees.

And my computer is over five years old so lightroom and Photoshop are sooooo slow so Ive been looking into what the are some good specs for a photo/video editing computer.

And I recently got an iPhone, so I've been looking around for some cool photography apps.

So what I've finally realized is what I really need (more than any of the above gear) is to just use the gear I got and go out and take some pictures.

funny how that works huh. July , I was so excited , got a body upgrade( camera body, still waiting for my biological one) low light lens, figured i was all set....( still waiting on the flash, just shot my $$ on a new food processor that cost close to as much so that is still on hold )... then got the flu, it started raining and I have barely used my camera since oh well....maybe tomorrow I can go take some shots....as i've said at least a few times a week every week since July....

 

[WDWFigment]

I've been reading lately about the new Canon 7D and I'm pretty impressed. Then they announced a new 1D Mark IV which is out of my price range but still had me thinking it's pretty sweet.

I've also been looking at lenses and trying to decide on a new walk around lens (comparing the canon 24-70 f/2.8 and 24-105 f/4.0). But I also want some longer glass and the 100-400 looks attractive but some rumor forums think it could be next for an update.

I'd also like to get more into off camera flash and have been reading about the pros/cons of going strobist with just speedlites or maybe getting some alien bees.

And my computer is over five years old so lightroom and Photoshop are sooooo slow so Ive been looking into what the are some good specs for a photo/video editing computer.

And I recently got an iPhone, so I've been looking around for some cool photography apps.

So what I've finally realized is what I really need (more than any of the above gear) is to just use the gear I got and go out and take some pictures.

I agree with the ultimate conclusion of your post (that we should actually use the gear we have rather than just lust over technology). My next big photography 'purchases' are a couple of books for which I am waitlisted at the library. I am hoping those will make a bigger difference than any new gear.

However, if I were to recommend any new gear, I might say go with a new computer. Five years is ancient in computer terms!

 

[pointandshoot]

I thought you were going to say that you realized you need a second job to buy all your new tools..

I have a set of studio lights and haven't been using them,, speedlights are so much easier for location shooting, easier transport, no need for a power source..etc...

Boy you just made me feel so good! I have an order waiting to ship from BH for a stand, two umbrellas, shoe mount bracket, and a Vivatar flash. I was thinking about studio strobes but thought would be used far more over time. I cannot wait to shoot some Christmas pictures now that my tree is decorated (long story).

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I'd also like to get more into off camera flash and have been reading about the pros/cons of going strobist with just speedlites or maybe getting some alien bees.

So what I've finally realized is what I really need (more than any of the above gear) is to just use the gear I got and go out and take some pictures.

That's taking the easy way out. It may work for you because you've got talent. For people like me, throwing money at the problem is the only way I ever get decent pictures.

I'm liking that new 1D. I could definitely see myself owning that. On the other hand, I think I'd rather have more glass. I bunch of happy events like a lack of hurricane's in the Gulf of Mexico this year, a bunch of plants getting covered up off the west coast of Africa millions of years ago, and an increase in energy demand have the potential to make this a good year for me financially. Probably not good enough for a 1D and a bunch of glass, but hopefully good enough to add a lens or two or three to my bag.

As for lights, I've got a collection of speedlites and studio lights. If I could only have one set, I'd definitely go with the speedlites. The portability factor is a huge bonus. On the other hand, if you're in a fixed location with good power (or good portable power), studio lights are much nicer to work with. You can use modeling lights, which is very helpful for "previewing" lighting. They also recycle much faster. They're more powerful, but I've never found the power limits of speedlites to be an issue.

My advice for lights is to start with a single speedlite (or speedlight if your a Nikonian). Get one that bounces and rotates. Learn to use it well. Then add a diffuser (or make your own) and learn to use it well. Then add an off-camera cord (unless your camera works as a master like the 7D or many of the Nikons, in which case you don't need the cord). Learn to position your flash relatively to your camera and subject. Make some reflectors from cardboard and white paint or whatever floats your boat. Learn to use the reflector.

Once you've done all that, you'll have a better sense for what you want to do next - add more flashes, add studio lights, etc. Getting a bunch of lights at once is overwhelming and, I think, actually sets many people back in their learning process. Learn to deal with one issue at a time. It's not only a cheaper way to learn, it's a better way to learn. It will also help you understand what you really need to get next.

Finally, don't forget the power of teamwork. If you have two friends with flashes, each of you has the potential to shoot with three flashes by pooling your resources. If you don't have photography friends, go to your local camera club and make some. Just be aware that most photographers are weirdos.

 

[boBQuincy]

So what I've finally realized is what I really need (more than any of the above gear) is to just use the gear I got and go out and take some pictures.

That is exactly what got us into a recession. That is *not* what made this board what it is today. That is definitely not in the spirit of this board!

*Of course* a new lens, new camera, new strobes will improve our photography. Why else would we buy all that stuff? And a bag in which to carry it?

In the spirit of America and the Disboards photography board, get out there and BUY!

Btw, I get my new Canon G11 tomorrow and I just know it will improve my photography. If not, I will buy even more, Ihave my eye on some Alien Bees with a battery pack (for night railroad photography)!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

.... If not, I will buy even more, Ihave my eye on some Alien Bees with a battery pack (for night railroad photography)!

I've had the AB battery pack of a couple of years now. I used it to run my laptop during the two weeks we had no power. I used it to power chili lights at a chili cookoff. I used it to power an iPod speaker system during a video shoot. Oddly, I've never used it for studio lights. Every time I take it with me, I either don't use the lights or I find an outlet I can use.

 

[IndyShutterbug]

I have had a similar thought brewing about wanting/needing new equipment, but as you can see, prices of the "advanced" equipment is crazy. I have recently started doing more diy projects to help save money and still get what I need/want.

My first one was to convert an ettl cord to accept cat-5 cable for extended lengths. That one was easy and cheap and really fun to play with. TTL @ 30 feet is a cool thing.

Then, I wanted to fire my backup with the pocketwizard II, and they wanted $100 for the cable. WOW, $100 bux! I took the standard Canon remote and spliced, soldered and prayed. It works great and provides a little more options for sports.

Today I finished my diy beauty dish, and it was the hardest yet. Here is the link to some pics I just uploaded - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ndredsox/sets/72157622629877920/show/

What I enjoyed most about these projects that it allowed me to experiment with new toys and new settings. It made me shoot more and in return made it fun.

 

[YesDear]

Is your light a tupperware type bowel? Cool!

 

[IndyShutterbug]

Is your light a tupperware type bowel? Cool!

Close, it's actually a large planting pot. I think it is 18", I painted it white to reflect better.