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04/10/2004 02:26:38 PM · #1 |
I'm going to be upgrading from my consumer P&S 2 megapixel camera to a digital SLR in the next month. I'm wondering what types of equipment I need to get in addition to the camera/lens. At the moment I have a 10GB hard drive, so I know I'll need more storage space. Suggestions are welcome. I'm also looking for suggestions on types of CF memory cards.
Are there other items I need to get specific to digital camera workflow with a SLR?
Thanks for any suggestions. :)
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04/10/2004 02:51:15 PM · #2 |
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04/10/2004 03:15:30 PM · #3 |
As big a hard drive you can get and also a dvd writer to store your photos on. Compact flash cards - I would go for 2 x 512mb or 2 x 1gb depending on your budget. If you shoot in RAW mode your only going to get around 50 images on a 512mb card. As ellamay said a tripod is pretty well essential. I use scandisk and viking cf cards and they have been error free.
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04/10/2004 03:19:05 PM · #4 |
Which DSLR system are you going to go with? Canon/Nikon/other? How much are you looking to spend?
A large drive for your home PC is nice, but if you have a CDR drive and plenty of blank disks (which are cheap nowadays) you can just burn as you shoot and make a nice little optical disk archive. This can cost more in the long run (years down the road) but it's cheaper up front (if you already have the CDR drive).
For CF cards I always suggest Lexar. But that's just based off of my experience with them, which has been perfect. As always, get the largest you can fit into your budget (I suggest a 1GB card, then add an image tank later).
Lenses are as important as the camera you pick. Don't throw 200 dollar glass in front of a 1500 dollar DSLR. The image quality WILL suffer. There are exceptions to this rule, however. Both Nikon and Canon offer cheap (less than 100 dollar) 50mm f/1.8 lenses that have amazing quality for the price. In fact, that is where I will make another suggestion; Get that 50mm f/1.8 lens for whatever system you get. It's cheap, sharp, and will be a great starting point for any lens arsenal.
For additional lenses, you'll need to know what you want to do with them. Do you shoot wildlife? Do you shoot sports? Are you a Macro maniac? Love landscapes? Answers to questions like those will tell you where to move next.
A sturdy Tripod is always a must in any camera system... especially those which shoot primarily non-action scenes. So don't skimp money here, get what you can fit into your budget.
A nice bag or backpack to carry all your new goodies will also be a handy addition. Check out lowepro's site, for example.
You might also want to look into a decent speedlite for your system. The built-in flash will be a little weak and always point forward.
:)
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04/10/2004 03:42:49 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by chinstrap:
Compact flash cards - I would go for 2 x 512mb or 2 x 1gb depending on your budget. |
I would get several smaller cards rather than just a couple huge cards because if the card takes a crapper you at least have other cards to use, and also won't lose as many photos. You definitely needs lots of megs though.
And some other things, possible already mentioned above...
2-3 batteries (About $70 each for the 10D)
Bag/Backpack
Lenses
Polarizers, UV, and other filters as needed
Extra Flash (?)
Card reader for faster transfer and less drain on the camera
Cleaning Supplies
Good tripod
CD or DVD burner
Good editing software
and INSURANCE
I'm sure there's more, but that's all I've got right now...
Good luck!
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04/10/2004 03:53:24 PM · #6 |
Cash or Credit card. Lots of it.
edit: Oops. This is actually Jacko ... Beagle's brother. I just realised I posted under his name. We're both at our parents' place.
Message edited by author 2004-04-10 15:55:56.
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04/10/2004 05:05:28 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by ButterflySis:
2-3 batteries (About $70 each for the 10D) |
Is that 2-3 extra batteries, Jen?
That's an awful lot of shooting in a single day! I can generally get 500-600 shots out of my Hahnel battery for my 300D without flash, which even if I go mad at an event will usually mean I'm fine with two batteries in total. I hardly ever use my second battery, although it's nice to have it just in case. |
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04/10/2004 05:43:46 PM · #8 |
I'm almost afraid to say for fear of becoming embroiled in the Canon/Nikon jihad. :)
I'll be getting the Nikon D70. My primary film camera is the N60, so I all ready have Nikon glass. Based on the reviews I've seen, I'll probably get the package including the new DX lens. I've got an excellent tripod. I use the Cokin filter system, so that should get me started filter wise.
How worried do I need to be about CF cards going belly up? What's the difference between a regular CF card and one of the ultra cards? Should I get a "pro" card?
So I need to budget for:
Must have to get going:
A CD burner (don't have the budget room right now for a DVD. :p)
CDs
Card reader
Software- can I use PS Elements still?
New bag
Memory
Add as able:
External flash
Batteries (not one word from you Terry)
Monopod (for those tricky DC no tripod allowed places...)
More memory
More lenses
More memory
More lenses...
Good list? Bad list? Oh! And insurance. That would be a good thing.
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04/10/2004 06:01:54 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by ButterflySis:
2-3 batteries (About $70 each for the 10D)
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I've ordered batteries from here for $11.99 US and they work just as well as the ones with the Canon label. Batteries are available for other makes as well. |
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04/10/2004 08:29:56 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by PaulMdx:
Originally posted by ButterflySis:
2-3 batteries (About $70 each for the 10D) |
Is that 2-3 extra batteries, Jen?
That's an awful lot of shooting in a single day! I can generally get 500-600 shots out of my Hahnel battery for my 300D without flash, which even if I go mad at an event will usually mean I'm fine with two batteries in total. I hardly ever use my second battery, although it's nice to have it just in case. |
Sorry Paul, that should be 2-3 total. I currently have 2 batteries but we're having a NYC meet soon for another photography site I belong to. We're starting at sunrise (6:00am) and finishing at sunset (8:00pm-ish?). I'm really worried that I'll run out of juice - my camera, I mean. (Well, and me too! lol) I would be devasted if that happened. I think the Canon batteries last about 4 hours...and two batteries would last about 8...but the day will be about 14 hours long...
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04/10/2004 08:58:31 PM · #11 |
blemt,
Sounds like you are on the right track.
You have some glass now, so if push come to shove, you can at lease use your D70, without buying more lenses. Firming up the rest of the support system.
Tri/mono pod. MUST HAVE
A couple of flash cards 128's, or 256's or 512's or a mix
Data storage (300-500 dollars)...If you plan to shoot for days without a card dump. Otherwise, extra cards will suffice.
Spare battery (always have 2 fully charged when beginning)
Travel with the charger
Pictures come on CD's from the 1 hour labs....DVD is a luxury.
Plan to purchase the very best glass for your intended usage, when you can.
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04/10/2004 09:32:20 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by cpanaioti:
Originally posted by ButterflySis:
2-3 batteries (About $70 each for the 10D)
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I've ordered batteries from here for $11.99 US and they work just as well as the ones with the Canon label. Batteries are available for other makes as well. |
Ditto on Sterlingtek. I got my 3 extra batteries from there & they all perform as well as the original canon. They mostly come in handy in cold weather shooting. Batteries run down fast when it's cold & if you are using the screen alot to view the pics. I also got an extra recharger fairly cheap for the truck to recharge on the go on long trips. I'm never without one...one stays home & 1 stays in the truck.
You can also go higher tech & get a gadget that burns directly to CD instead of lots of CF cards. Think they run $2-300. Instant archiving & not jamming up your hard drive. I opted to go the laptop route to unload the card in the field since I needed the full computer when I work on the road anyway.
Cold weather tip....keep all extra batteries in a pocket under your coat so they stay warm & last longer. Too bad you cant keep your finger tips under there while your shooting ;)
Lets not forget the filters. Minimum, you NEED a standard UV filter to protect your lens glass if nothing else. Your lens should ALWAYS be protected by a filter. Much rather replace a fairly cheap UV filter than the lens.
Polarized lens is great in out door shooting for richer color & controling glare.
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04/10/2004 10:09:07 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by cpanaioti:
Originally posted by ButterflySis:
2-3 batteries (About $70 each for the 10D)
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I've ordered batteries from here for $11.99 US and they work just as well as the ones with the Canon label. Batteries are available for other makes as well. |
Thanks for that link Colette! I'll have to check into them. I did find an off-brand at Ritz, but it was still $50 and it said it would last 2 hours. Not very long, I don't think.
Thanks again.
Edit: Thanks, Nancy, too!
Message edited by author 2004-04-10 22:11:05.
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04/11/2004 12:21:19 AM · #14 |
| Just a note on the BP-511 replacements listed, my BP-511 (Rebel 300D, which is not listed as compatible) says 7.4v at 1100mAh, the one listed on sterlingtek says 7.2v at 1300mAh. This may have an effect on the advertised runtime, as current is inversely relative to voltage. |
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04/11/2004 12:39:21 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by wwwavenger:
Just a note on the BP-511 replacements listed, my BP-511 (Rebel 300D, which is not listed as compatible) says 7.4v at 1100mAh, the one listed on sterlingtek says 7.2v at 1300mAh. This may have an effect on the advertised runtime, as current is inversely relative to voltage. |
My reference for the 10D (which uses the same battery as the Rebel) is the same and the battery from Sterlingtek works just fine. I haven't run it to the limit yet but it's supposed to last 3 hours instead of 2.
I got this reference from a nature photographer who uses the Canon D30 camera and has been using the Sterlingtek batteries.
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04/11/2004 01:16:09 AM · #16 |
While I'm sitting here trying to out wait a 7 yr old who can't sleep so I can finally hide the darn eggs...
First I'll say that I have seen no loss of run time on the replacement batteries. In normal temps, hikin around the lighthouses I can fill up my 512 card WAY faster than I can run the battery down ;)
I really only ever change a battery out there if it's not fully charged when I start.
2nd, even if it did run 2 hours as opposed to 3....
Canon: 2 x $70 - 6 hours for $140
Sterlingtek: 3 x $12 - 6 hours for $36....hmmmmm, let me think ;)
$104 for MORE GOODIES!! lol
Message edited by author 2004-04-11 01:17:53.
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04/11/2004 01:46:10 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by blemt:
How worried do I need to be about CF cards going belly up? What's the difference between a regular CF card and one of the ultra cards? Should I get a "pro" card?
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Try reading this. It has lots of info
//www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007-6816
I use Sandisk Ultra II cards and have had good luck with them.
Message edited by author 2004-04-11 01:48:35. |
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04/11/2004 07:30:23 AM · #18 |
I don't actually have my DSLR yet (waiting for a lawsuit check). I have been doing like you are--- planning ahead. Been doing this for a few weeks. I think you need to investigate your needs. Do you need to take 300-400 shots in a day, while a 10 mile hike from your car ?? Are you going to be storing (in camera) at RAW resolution ? While remote from car, will you be using flash, thus cooking the battery quicker. I can't even guess at the number of times I have been hiked-in somewhere and run out of film just as things got interesting (I have a ton of Canon SLR film equipment). When I do a day shoot, it is common for me to be out of film before late afternoon.. then, of course, there will be the best sunset ever !!!
In any event, besides 3 batteries (two in a camera grip - yes, I'm going Canon) I will want to have a lot of CF II cards... though I am looking at a portable 80G drive as well. Really portable - self contained battery powered, built-in CF reader. But I am vascillating on how shock-proof it is... why put 300 RAW inages on it, then realize, back home, that the heads are crashed.
My alternative plan is to take a lap-top into the 'field'. More batteries, for sure, but I do have an assistant (read- pack mule).
Again, the head-crash potential - as most laptops have really sturdy drives -- how many are designed for back country hiking (slips, stumbles, etc.) ?? I suppose I could burn CD-RW's in the field, so I wouldn't "have to" have a regular hard drive onboard. The nice thing, here, is that I could get away with smaller, thus cheaper (and faster reading) CF's.
Then, of course, DC chargers for all equipment back in the car.
Just ideas... but that's what you need to do.. think out your "biggest potential shoot" needs, then go from there.. Good luck and enjoy your DSLR !!
R.
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