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01/20/2007 12:15:09 AM · #1 |
Hello all,
I recently decided to do some candid/art photography as a side business (I know, that sounds kind of nuts). I managed to get a Maxxum 7D on ebay for a good price, and I am wondering which accessories I should look into purchasing.
I have 3 AF lenses (2 of which I already owned), and extra battery and a charger. I don't plan on doing much flash photograhy, but I should probably have one plus a diffuser for when I need it. What else? I think I have a few filters as well - I know one is a polarizing filter. Also boggled at the options on flash cards. Any advice, recommendations? I can see that there are tons of choices, I'm just nervous about buying something that isn't good quality.
I am doing primarily children/families, outdoors, etc., if that helps.
Thanks so much in advance :)
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01/20/2007 10:06:31 AM · #2 |
You didn't say anything about which lenses you already have?
The only accessory I'd say is a must-get at the moment is a card reader for your computer. Then you can plug your memory card into the computer and transfer files without having to use your camera. It's a bit faster than using your camera transfer, and means you can keep shooting if you have more than one card. Plus, they're so inexpensive that there isn't a reason NOT to have one. Make sure it takes Compact Flash cards, and is USB 2.0 HIGH SPEED (not just 2.0... and, confusingly, Full Speed is not as fast as High Speed!). You can get card readers that install in a floppy drive bay on your computer, or you can get card readers that plug into an external USB slot - use whichever suits you best. (In fact, there are even a few around that do both!)
Other than that, you probably have all the accessories that you need. A few useful, but non-essential accessories could be:
- Remote cable (there are two versions, short or long)
- External flash - get a 5400HS or 5600HS, not a 3200.
- You can make a cheap diffuser out of a piece of tracing paper with a rubber band to hold it onto your flash.
Asking what brand is the best memory card is almost as "bad" as asking what is the best brand of camera or car - opinions vary. SanDisk and Kingston both have good reputations (although some will disagree); I'm not sure what other brands are considered good. I don't have enough experience with different speed cards to comment on whether it is worth getting high-speed cards instead of normal ones. One word of warning - get your memory cards from a reputable place; if the price seems a LOT cheaper than you see elsewhere, then it's probably a fake (there are lots of fakes being sold on eBay).
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01/20/2007 11:05:42 AM · #3 |
For outdoor photography, you need a large reflector and a large scrim (diffuser), and some things to hold them with.
Whether you do this with off the shelf, or DIY options is up to you. If you have the cash, off the shelf is cool, but you can also build some out of PVC pipe if you're handy, or know someone how is. Tinkertubes can give you some directions on that. The cool thing about PVC is it is light and can be built to break down easily if you want.
Other than that, I'd focus more on technique than equipment. You won't need a flash unless you want to overpower sunlight or shoot into a sunset or whatnot, which are generally not family/kid oriented setups as they provide a more edgy teen/rock/sports/model look.
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01/20/2007 11:21:10 AM · #4 |
I'll only comment on memory cards:
First, *don't* buy them on ebay. Buy them froma reputable retailer to avoid counterfeit cards, which are *rampant* on ebay.
Second, you don't need the fastest of the fast, and you can get a significant discount by buying just relatively fast cards.
Third, buy a reputable name brand. Sandisk is the brand I use, and they have an extremely good reputation. For the best combination of price & performance, look at the Ultra II line. Going faster than these will not make any improvement in camera performance, but *might* improve transfer time to computer *if* you use a very fast card reader. Using a USB 2.0 *High Speed* card reader is a good match for the performance of the Ultra II cards.
Fourth, don't buy one large card, instead buy two smaller cards. For your camera, probably 2GB is the largest I'd go. Having more than one card lessens the impact if you have a problem with one card, that is, your eggs are not all in one basket. |
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01/20/2007 02:50:50 PM · #5 |
 kirbic's view on cards is spot on. the only thing I would add is you will have to decide what size you really need and that depends in what mode you shoot in.
My 2GB Transcend will hold the following amounts:
RAW only = 219 shots
RAW and 3008 x 2000 = 164 shots
3008 x 2000 JPEg's (ultrafine) = 338 shots
There's 2 other sizes and qualities you can choose, so you get the idea.
Other things you might need:
External flash
Diffuser
Reflector
Remote cord..ESPECIALLY if your doing long exposures
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01/21/2007 04:34:05 AM · #6 |
Thanks so much guys...I just checked back in and this is really helpful info, especially about not buying cards on eBay.
And I'll post the info about my lenses tomorrow, in case anyone has additional advice there. |
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