Questions about my camera choice.

[Venomhatch]

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.

Ok budget is getting tight, which should i go with? 50mm or 35mm may have to take a poll.

 

[mom2rtk]

Ok budget is getting tight, which should i go with? 50mm or 35mm may have to take a poll.

It's a matter of personal preference. I have the 50mm f/1.8 for my Canon but rarely use it. I find it's too long to be a short lens and too short to be a long lens. Others here LOVE that length. Wait until your camera gets here. Then set your kit lens to 50 and walk around shooting for a while and see what you think. Then move it to 35 and do the same thing.

I second KCMike's suggestion of Understanding Exposure. I've read parts of it several times. You might also consider a guide book for your particular model. They are much easier to get through than the manual and have lots more illustrations.

 

[Venomhatch]

It's a matter of personal preference. I have the 50mm f/1.8 for my Canon but rarely use it. I find it's too long to be a short lens and too short to be a long lens. Others here LOVE that length. Wait until your camera gets here. Then set your kit lens to 50 and walk around shooting for a while and see what you think. Then move it to 35 and do the same thing.

I second KCMike's suggestion of Understanding Exposure. I've read parts of it several times. You might also consider a guide book for your particular model. They are much easier to get through than the manual and have lots more illustrations.

Yeah KCmike is a good friend from the POR thread, I definitely would consider that.

 

[HPS3]

I had the 50 on a T2i and now have the 35 on my D5100. The 35 to me is a much more useable length especially when used indoors.

 

[Venomhatch]

I had the 50 on a T2i and now have the 35 on my D5100. The 35 to me is a much more useable length especially when used indoors.

I agree I will ask for a 35mm for Xmas. Since we don't go to wdw until February 24th 2012.

 

[krb2g]

I heartily agree with the Understanding Exposure recommendation. I have also learned a lot by following blogs--there are several excellent Disney photography blogs (Allears.net has one, disneyphotographyblog.com, disneytouristblog.com) that have really helped me hone my skills. Also, even though you're buying a great camera, it might not give you excellent results the first time you pick it up--there's a learning curve on these things. So make sure to practice a lot before you get to Disney. The more you use it, the better you will become, and the nicer pictures you will take.

 

[Venomhatch]

I heartily agree with the Understanding Exposure recommendation. I have also learned a lot by following blogs--there are several excellent Disney photography blogs (Allears.net has one, disneyphotographyblog.com, disneytouristblog.com) that have really helped me hone my skills. Also, even though you're buying a great camera, it might not give you excellent results the first time you pick it up--there's a learning curve on these things. So make sure to practice a lot before you get to Disney. The more you use it, the better you will become, and the nicer pictures you will take.

Yeah I had a Sony a200 before so I am not a complete newbee lol, but I am not an up to date person when it comes to the new tech and features.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

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.

Sigma EF-530 Super works real nice with the D5100.

Tripod, cheap $5 IR remote from Ebay, Extra Battery, a comfortable strap for around your neck, extra memory, and maybe a different bag depending on your style would be my recommendations.

Don't go cheap on the battery, the D5100 won't accept knock-offs like the D5000 did and you don't get as many shots per charge.

 

[Venomhatch]

Sigma EF-530 Super works real nice with the D5100.

Tripod, cheap $5 IR remote from Ebay, Extra Battery, a comfortable strap for around your neck, extra memory, and maybe a different bag depending on your style would be my recommendations.

Don't go cheap on the battery, the D5100 won't accept knock-offs like the D5000 did and you don't get as many shots per charge.

I went with this so far

- Memory: 2x 32GB Class 10 Cards (is that pleanty)
- Carrying Method: Messager bag
- Battery: Yes did go and order an official Nikon Brand Battery.
- Tripod: Got one from walmart, vivitar Brand. 52" tall.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I went with this so far

- Memory: 2x 32GB Class 10 Cards (is that pleanty)
- Carrying Method: Messager bag
- Battery: Yes did go and order an official Nikon Brand Battery.
- Tripod: Got one from walmart, vivitar Brand. 52" tall.

2x32 should be more than enough I would think. I shoot RAW and only usually have 2x8 cards with me. In the parks I fill up both each day but save them to my laptop each morning before we head out.

One more thing to think about later on is software. One of the great advantages of using a DSLR is the ability to shoot in a RAW uncompressed format. The downside to that is you need to convert the images to jpg's yourself but in the process you have a wide range of processing power to tweak each one.

At first, just go out and use your new camera as much as you can. Get comfortable with it. Read up on things like "Understanding Exposure" and check out some tutorials on youtube. There are so many basic things to learn that will help you really get the shots you want later on down the line. I'm very happy for you! Congrats on all the new gear!

 

[Venomhatch]

2x32 should be more than enough I would think. I shoot RAW and only usually have 2x8 cards with me. In the parks I fill up both each day but save them to my laptop each morning before we head out.

One more thing to think about later on is software. One of the great advantages of using a DSLR is the ability to shoot in a RAW uncompressed format. The downside to that is you need to convert the images to jpg's yourself but in the process you have a wide range of processing power to tweak each one.

At first, just go out and use your new camera as much as you can. Get comfortable with it. Read up on things like "Understanding Exposure" and check out some tutorials on youtube. There are so many basic things to learn that will help you really get the shots you want later on down the line. I'm very happy for you! Congrats on all the new gear!

Hey thanks a lot. I am heading to barnes and Nobel today to look for the book. But yeah I am hearing great things on this camera dispite what I hear with canon and nikon fans saying their's is better etc. But thanks to you all I feel confident about my choice.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Hey thanks a lot. I am heading to barnes and Nobel today to look for the book. But yeah I am hearing great things on this camera dispite what I hear with canon and nikon fans saying their's is better etc. But thanks to you all I feel confident about my choice.

Also, there's plenty of groups and pages on facebook if you look up D5100. Pictures posted by people all over the world using your new camera should get you pumped and expired

 

[Venomhatch]

Also, there's plenty of groups and pages on facebook if you look up D5100. Pictures posted by people all over the world using your new camera should get you pumped and expired

Yeah I feel inspired and eager to see what I capture.

 

[Cafeen]

Hey thanks a lot. I am heading to barnes and Nobel today to look for the book. But yeah I am hearing great things on this camera dispite what I hear with canon and nikon fans saying their's is better etc. But thanks to you all I feel confident about my choice.

At the risk of being exiled by my side of the fence... much of the Canon vs. Nikon "rivalry" is all in good fun. The cameras and accessories are so close in quality, price, and features these days that it's really a matter of preference now.

Though, I will say that I am jealous of that 35mm f/1.8 that Nikon people get at the low price point Canon doesn't have anything like that (we both have 50s) and from what I can find, the next best option is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 @ ~$500.

 

[Venomhatch]

Well I took the advice and went to the store, held the ones I was interested in. Found the Nikon to be better feel in my hands. But it seemed like it couldnt focus to well up close, even at a distance it didn't do to well. I took a look at the lens and saw smudges a bit on it, so I am I correct to assume that could be why it could not focus up close that well? It had the 18-55mm on it on display.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Well I took the advice and went to the store, held the ones I was interested in. Found the Nikon to be better feel in my hands. But it seemed like it couldnt focus to well up close, even at a distance it didn't do to well. I took a look at the lens and saw smudges a bit on it, so I am I correct to assume that could be why it could not focus up close that well? It had the 18-55mm on it on display.

When you say up close, was what you were focusing on at least a foot away? There is a minimum distance it needs, but I'm not sure of exactly what that distance is off the top of my head. If you had at least a foot of space in between the camera and subject, than the smudges might have had something to do with it. It may have been set to manual focus on either the lens or in the camera settings also or might have been something simple like a focus point wasn't where you wanted it to be. I used to work at a Best Buy and can tell you that people come in and just ruin the display models also.

The 5100 focuses pretty quickly with the kit lens in general. I bought mine the same time friend of mine bought his and have been thoroughly happy so far.

P.S. when you're ready to take some REALLY lose up pictures, I'll introduce you to the world of reverse rings for the kit lens

 

[Venomhatch]

When you say up close, was what you were focusing on at least a foot away? There is a minimum distance it needs, but I'm not sure of exactly what that distance is off the top of my head. If you had at least a foot of space in between the camera and subject, than the smudges might have had something to do with it. It may have been set to manual focus on either the lens or in the camera settings also or might have been something simple like a focus point wasn't where you wanted it to be. I used to work at a Best Buy and can tell you that people come in and just ruin the display models also.

The 5100 focuses pretty quickly with the kit lens in general. I bought mine the same time friend of mine bought his and have been thoroughly happy so far.

P.S. when you're ready to take some REALLY lose up pictures, I'll introduce you to the world of reverse rings for the kit lens

Is that why people buy secondary stock lenses, or does it require any modification to the lens at all? I would really love some tips, maybe by the end of this week. Ill have my camera by then.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Is that why people buy secondary stock lenses, or does it require any modification to the lens at all? I would really love some tips, maybe by the end of this week. Ill have my camera by then.

Every lens has a purpose. The one(s) that you are getting this week serve the purpose of learning. Use them. There are THOUSANDS of reasons for buying different lenses. Don't sweat buying more equipment until you outgrow what you have or actually have a need for something different. Some of the most amazing pictures taken in the last 20 years were done with equipment much less sophisticated that what you are getting. The trick is to know how to use what you have. Find your style and go from there.

 

[Venomhatch]

Every lens has a purpose. The one(s) that you are getting this week serve the purpose of learning. Use them. There are THOUSANDS of reasons for buying different lenses. Don't sweat buying more equipment until you outgrow what you have or actually have a need for something different. Some of the most amazing pictures taken in the last 20 years were done with equipment much less sophisticated that what you are getting. The trick is to know how to use what you have. Find your style and go from there.

Ok cool, I was wondering if I was getting a piece of equipment that I would not be sorry for getting. I saw the d7000 specs with two SDHC card slots. And was intrigued. Thought what else I would get if I moved up. Or do I even need to worry about that? Lol

 

[Cafeen]

Ok cool, I was wondering if I was getting a piece of equipment that I would not be sorry for getting. I saw the d7000 specs with two SDHC card slots. And was intrigued. Thought what else I would get if I moved up. Or do I even need to worry about that? Lol

Learn with what you have for now. In the future, if you feel the need to move up (technical reasons, need increased functionality, etc) then go ahead and do so then. However, for most people, the SLRs last for many years, much longer than P&S cameras do.

Of course, lens buying becomes an addiction... and those lenses are usually more money than a top of the line P&S anyway.. but the body will last a good long while.

Also to note that today's kit lenses are VERY good, especially for starting out. They're nothing like the cheap ones that SLRs came with years ago. They won't be the end-all be-all, but until you get to the point where you need the faster and more expensive glass, they'll work just fine.

As for the different lenses, I current run my 18-55mm kit, 55-250mm kit, 50mm f/1.8, and just picked up the Sigma 8-16 f/4.5-5.6 last week (that was a present for myself due to stupidly high amounts of OT recently ). Each has a purpose and a role, whether it's simple walk-around, increased range, low light, or fun with ultra wide angles.

I did wait for a few months before I bought even the 50mm though and learned the ins and outs of my current camera on the 18-55 kit. (I did SLR photography about 10-15 years ago with an old Canon Rebel X 35mm, so I already had a handle on much of the stuff.)