DSLR Photo NOOB

Wow! Thanks for the tips fellas, there's a lot to mull over.  Just looking at all the reviews is daunting.  It seems the differences arent many between the entry level cameras of a similar price range.   I think I got to go put hands on plastic and really get a feel for em, just like a kayak I guess, demo, demo, demo!

Depending on which camera you want to demo, take  Compact Flash or SD card with you to a camera store and ask to demo shoot the camera(s). Nice way to evaluate on the spot. Next time we cross paths, feel free to demo my camera.

I was where you are about two years ago. Check out FredMiranda.com and DPreview for straight up reviews of cameras and lenses. When you are ready to buy, Best Buy has good prices but B&H has a no questions asked return policy which is hard to beat. Whichever way you go, be sure and post photos for us to check out.

I've been looking at the new ones.  I want the Canon D70.  It is basically a newer version of the D60.  It has a new image processor that allows the camera to take HD video with auto-focusing.  Costco has it on sale for $1300.  That's why I don't have one yet.   

A good website to check out digital camera is dpreview.com.

I use Canon DSLR's for the last 5 years, like them a lot. right now have T3i, uncle and father use T5i and both are very happy.

I've been looking at the new ones.  I want the Canon D70.  It is basically a newer version of the D60.  It has a new image processor that allows the camera to take HD video with auto-focusing.  Costco has it on sale for $1300.  That's why I don't have one yet.   

A good website to check out digital camera is dpreview.com.

The video mode of the 70D looks much easier to use. I like everything about it except the price! 

BTW, for anyone who already owns a Canon DSLR, there are two lens lineups: EF and EF-S. If you already have EF-S lens and you happen to be lucky enough to hit the lottery and have cash to burn, the EF-S lens lineup will not work with the high-end (i.e., very professional and much more expensive) lineup of cameras.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EF-S_lens_mount

Thanks for all the input fellas!  I ended up buying a beginner model Pentax dslr.  The reviews put all the major players at that price range about even on most important aspects, but the reason I chose the pentax was the weather/dust seals.  It is very well built and feel like it  can take punishment a little better than the other two Canon/Nikon, which felt very light and cheap in the hand.  Also there are lot of older manual focus lenses I can get cheap on ebay to help learn with.

 So far Ive been having a blast taking pictures and when out in the woods, I find myself taking pictures more than looking for fresh sign    Maybe someone can help me identify these birds from lake sonoma:





these two lovebirds:





Land of Squeelz


Im really looking forward to stepping up my image game and in identifying all the little birds around the lake. 

Nice shots homie. I don't know the top two, but the bottom two I think are western bluebirds and a robin.

Good eye dood!  Of course that's a robin!  I never saw it's chest and didn't put it together    Western blue bird for sure 

Nice DOF; and glad you're using the rule of 3rds, greatly improves your composition....

Nice DOF; and glad you're using the rule of 3rds, greatly improves your composition....

Thanks man, I'm doing this little online course that's really interesting. Its on  Open2study.com and has been very informative.  They have a bunch of other cool courses on there to check out to, on a ton of different subjects.

Didn't know you were a bird watcher, John.

Didn't know you were a bird watcher, John.

I watch em, I just don't know what they are  . When your out in the woods, quiet for a long time, you really start to pick up and focus on anything that's moving.  Its curious to see what they do and how they move. 

Nice pics MPB.

I love this thread and the direction it is going.  I was wondering, can you post EXIF data on the image, so we can see what settings you used, and a general description of the lighting encountered.  Also was any post processing done?  I'm a techie and look at that shit.

I'll try to post pics and info too, but I don't take too many "you got to see this" types of pics ... yet.

-Allen

Nice pics MPB.

I love this thread and the direction it is going.  I was wondering, can you post EXIF data on the image, so we can see what settings you used, and a general description of the lighting encountered.  Also was any post processing done?  I'm a techie and look at that shit.

I'll try to post pics and info too, but I don't take too many "you got to see this" types of pics ... yet.

-Allen

Thanks dude, I'm sure there's a way to post the exif data.  I'm using photobucket, but I'm shooting raw, so all of the original data is available re:iso's aperature and such.  Right now I'm shooting all manual except the ISO is automatically picked.  I change some of the color and  AWB parameters and such before I shoot to get a tonal look that i like and then shoot all day, adjusting aperture and shutter as needed.  On some is I crop and may increase/decrease exposure and highlights in Photoshop light room, which is a great easy to use program.

I think it would be hella cool if everyone posted their pics!  Photography seems to be a natural extension of  yakkin and fishing/hunting.  I'm always curious to know how others "see" the world.