Questions about my camera choice.

[Venomhatch]

Well Hello and first off thanks for opening this and reading into it.

My situaition is that I am picking up a Nikon D5100 with 18-55mm lense. I am also picking up 2x 32gb class 10 sdhc cards, an extra lith-ion battery, and a 55-300mm VR telephoto lens. I already have a bag in mind so I dont need one of them.

- I am wondering is that a nice start off for someone moving from a point and shoot to this?

- Also am I missing anything for starting up?

Thanks and cant wait to hear your suggestions and comments.

 

[mom2rtk]

What do you want to shoot?

A tripod and remote shutter release would be great for fireworks.

 

[Venomhatch]

What do you want to shoot?

A tripod and remote shutter release would be great for fireworks.

I want to shoot character greets when in disney world to start, then family moments, vacation trips, scenic shots, random detail like frost on flowers, or snow falling. Etc.

Tripod I have considered, but please help me to understand what the remote shutter release is?

 

[mom2rtk]

The remote shutter release allows you to trigger the shutter without touching the camera, which could cause it to move slightly and blur your shot.

The other thing you might want to consider at some point is an external flash unit. It will give better light for character shots than a pop-up flash will.

 

[Venomhatch]

The remote shutter release allows you to trigger the shutter without touching the camera, which could cause it to move slightly and blur your shot.

The other thing you might want to consider at some point is an external flash unit. It will give better light for character shots than a pop-up flash will.

Cool I added the IR Remote Shutter Release to my list Ill have to wait on the flash as much as I want to go ahead and get it.

 

[boBQuincy]

Another thing to consider about the external flash is it recycles quickly. Using the built-in flash can slow your camera recycle time so it is no faster than a point & shoot.

 

[Venomhatch]

Another thing to consider about the external flash is it recycles quickly. Using the built-in flash can slow your camera recycle time so it is no faster than a point & shoot.

Hmm do i have to get a nikon official one? or can it be third party? Either way is there certain specs I should look for on a good to great flash?

Thanks to everyone so far.

 

[Sam241]

50mm f/1.8 Lens this should be in my opinion the first lens you buy for you camera. So outside the kit lens you get with the package deal this should be the first one you buy.


In my opinion

 

[Venomhatch]

50mm f/1.8 Lens this should be in my opinion the first lens you buy for you camera. So outside the kit lens you get with the package deal this should be the first one you buy.


In my opinion

What would this offer me? just asking...

 

[Sam241]

Greater depth of field, better low light photos, better portraits, better close up shots, its just an all around better lens in my opinion then the kit lens (Although it's more specific in it's function). It's a fixed focal length though (no zooming or panning out) so you have to move yourself or your subject depending on the type of photo you are trying to take with it.

 

[Venomhatch]

Greater depth of field, better low light photos, better portraits, better close up shots, its just an all around better lens in my opinion then the kit lens (Although it's more specific in it's function). It's a fixed focal length though (no zooming or panning out) so you have to move yourself or your subject depending on the type of photo you are trying to take with it.

Thanks I added one of them also.

 

[photo_chick]

The 50mm f/1.8 will offer a shallower depth of field, not a greater depth of field. And if you get it, make sure you get the one that will auto focus on the D5100 if auto focus is important to you. It will cost you about $100 more than everyone elses 50mm f/1.8.

Nikonians.org has a really good lens compatibility chart that will tell you which lens designations will have full functionality on your body.

 

[boBQuincy]

Hmm do i have to get a nikon official one? or can it be third party? Either way is there certain specs I should look for on a good to great flash?

Thanks to everyone so far.

I prefer to stick with the same brand as the camera for accessories. Others have had success with 3rd party brands but I have no experience with them.

Since it is more about recycle time than light output the cycle time should be the specification of most interest here. Even the smallest flash will recycle much more quickly than the built-in flash. I used a Canon 220EX (their smallest) for rapid fire at meet & greets while DW had some choice words for her slow recycling built-in flash!

 

[mom2rtk]

I prefer to stick with the same brand as the camera for accessories. Others have had success with 3rd party brands but I have no experience with them.

Since it is more about recycle time than light output the cycle time should be the specification of most interest here. Even the smallest flash will recycle much more quickly than the built-in flash. I used a Canon 220EX (their smallest) for rapid fire at meet & greets while DW had some choice words for her slow recycling built-in flash!

I agree about the recycle time. It's the greatest reason I always have my external flash with me at Disney. You get a short time with the characters and you don't want to spend any of those precious moments waiting for that "Busy" message to go away. I have never had to wait on my flash to recycle when using an external one. Ever. And I fire off lots of shots in a row.

 

[Venomhatch]

I agree about the recycle time. It's the greatest reason I always have my external flash with me at Disney. You get a short time with the characters and you don't want to spend any of those precious moments waiting for that "Busy" message to go away. I have never had to wait on my flash to recycle when using an external one. Ever. And I fire off lots of shots in a row.

Very nice you have given me some serious things to think about tonight. Thanks so far!

I found this one here: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-...eras/8188016.p?id=1164155599690&skuId=8188016

with a 2.5-sec. recycling time, is that good?

 

[boBQuincy]

Very nice you have given me some serious things to think about tonight. Thanks so far!

I found this one here: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-...eras/8188016.p?id=1164155599690&skuId=8188016

with a 2.5-sec. recycling time, is that good?

2.5 seconds is good. Note that the shortest times are with NiMH batteries!
Most flashes don't use full power at close distance so they recycle even faster. At about 10' mine was cycling in less than a second, Canon's spec says 0.1 to 4.5 seconds.

Like Mom2rtk says, we shoot lots at character meets!

 

[Venomhatch]

2.5 seconds is good. Note that the shortest times are with NiMH batteries!
Most flashes don't use full power at close distance so they recycle even faster. At about 10' mine was cycling in less than a second, Canon's spec says 0.1 to 4.5 seconds.

Like Mom2rtk says, we shoot lots at character meets!

Thanks, a lot. That aside is there any other last minute things?

 

[Sam241]

The 50mm f/1.8 will offer a shallower depth of field, not a greater depth of field. And if you get it, make sure you get the one that will auto focus on the D5100 if auto focus is important to you. It will cost you about $100 more than everyone elses 50mm f/1.8.

Nikonians.org has a really good lens compatibility chart that will tell you which lens designations will have full functionality on your body.

I meant greater as in better or greater control, I guess I should have just said better or greater control. Next time, next time lol

 

[KCmike]

Grab a book. One about your camera or the Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. You will be glad you did. It's nice to have something to refer back to. You can pick one up easily at a place like Barnes and Noble or your local library.

 

[HPS3]

Venomhatch, I also shoot with the D5100. I shoot with the 35mm f1.8 AF-S 95% of the time. I love the sharpness and depth of field. Once you start shooting in low light you will wish you had a fast prime. If you are going to buy a flash, I would recommend the SB600 or SB700. I always use my SB600 to bounce off of walls and ceilings. I am not sure if the head is adjustable on the SB400. Another thing to consider is a good strap such as the BlackRapid or Crumpler.