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06/09/2006 11:47:12 PM · #1 |
I hope I'm posting this in the right section.
I've been a Point-and-Shooter for about three years -- I'm sixteen now. I've only just in the past few months started messing around with settings, since I got my Canon Powershot A520. I do a lot of 'field herping' .. and for everyone that doesn't know what that is, I just go look for reptiles and amphibians in the wild, and then photograph them and immediately replace them back where I found them.
Now, I want to get a new camera (again.) I've finally gotten a job too, so I can afford a better camera. I was thinking the Canon Rebel XT 8mp. I don't really know much about Digital SLRs, etc.. what camera do you think I should get? I want to get a good one that will last me awhile, and doesn't have a problem with zooming and macro shots. (I will buy a macro lens if necessary.) This is because I've lost so many would-have-been great shots because of getting too close to the subjects.
Just so you guys have a better idea of what I normally photograph..
The first three are from the last few days, when I went on a camping trip.
//i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/herps2006/Pretty%20Photos/eggs.jpg Some eggs found in a sand spring.
//i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/herps2006/Pretty%20Photos/greenfrog.jpg Green Frog.. surprised he didn't spook.
//i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/herps2006/Pretty%20Photos/redefts.jpg Red Efts.. young form of Eastern Spotted Newt. Stunning little guys!
And the next two are just pictures from earlier in the year.
//i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/herps2006/Pretty%20Photos/northerntwolinedgmas.jpg Northern Two-Lined Salamander
//i40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/herps2006/Pretty%20Photos/greenfrogjacobsburg.jpg Green Frog in early spring.
So what you guys think? I hope I didn't post too many pictures. Don't hate me!
-Valentene
Message edited by Manic - please keep images under 30kb/500px or link/thumb. |
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06/09/2006 11:51:40 PM · #2 |
| I think that, with some cropping top and bottom to make him really stand out, I would love that bottom froggie! :) |
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06/09/2006 11:53:44 PM · #3 |
You are very talented. You have come to the right place. There are many young photographers on here that show awesome talent.
I think you really need to look at a DSLR, especially if you are looking at a macro lens. There are a few 8mp's in the Canon range that will serve your purpose...do plenty of research though.
Good luck.
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06/09/2006 11:55:18 PM · #4 |
I'm a biology grad and know what that goop is in your hand....
...the last frog shot is very good. With the right post processing it is a very very good shot.
Post some more soon! |
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06/09/2006 11:57:39 PM · #5 |
instead of spending all that money on a brand new rebel xt, you can get a rebel 300d or a canon 10d, then spend more on the lens, but for good macros, the only way to get really good quality, is with a dSLR
(w00t for teenage photographers:)
-Dan |
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06/10/2006 01:15:20 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by val1p:
... I do a lot of 'field herping' .. and for everyone that doesn't know what that is, I just go look for reptiles and amphibians in the wild, and then photograph them and immediately replace them back where I found them. |
I like the frog shots best... very nice.
I do "herping" in the wild to... except I never touch them... Mine are here:
Desert Snakes and Reptiles
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06/10/2006 08:46:11 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by stdavidson:
Originally posted by val1p:
... I do a lot of 'field herping' .. and for everyone that doesn't know what that is, I just go look for reptiles and amphibians in the wild, and then photograph them and immediately replace them back where I found them. |
I like the frog shots best... very nice.
I do "herping" in the wild to... except I never touch them... |
I don't blame you -- gila monsters, flighty lizards, and vipers! Wow. They must be amazing to find! |
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06/10/2006 08:54:57 AM · #8 |
i am very envious
the only ones i can find are gardner snakes & our common green frog
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06/10/2006 09:03:27 AM · #9 |
Hi Ralph!
Welcome to DPC
As for your quesiton about DSLRs... the camera you get will depend on what feels righ in your hand. Go to the camera store.. and hold each camera... if your' looking for cameras in the range of the rebel XT , hold the Nikon D50, the rebel XT, the Olympus E-300 (i think it is) , the pentax *ist and if youwait long enought eh new sony DSLR. Each feels different in your hand, one of them will feel right. They all are good cameras... EACH has good glass and average glass,
My advise... instead of askign here... go to the camera store .. the sales people will let you hold each, and get a feel for them :) |
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06/10/2006 05:46:11 PM · #10 |
I second the opinion for holding the cameras, which ever camera feels right is the camera for you. The glass will be your most costly investment. The telephoto macros are pricey $400 - $1400. For awhile i used a close up diopter and the nikon 70-300 zoom lens.
This is a close up from that setup at 300mm.
This frog is in a raccoon's footprint.
165mm
Its fairly different that using a true macro, but it is a stop gap for having a good macro lens. |
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06/11/2006 06:17:03 PM · #11 |
Hey im 15 and do a lot of animal photography too, only mostly at the zoo where i work. I just made the jump to a DSLR and got the Rebel XT with a a sigma 70-300 lens with a macro setting. //www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=1213 I think that would be good for what you are looking for. All in all i think i ended up spending about $1000 including that lens, a spare battery, the Canon lens that is optional with the Rebel, and a 2gb Sandisk card. I think a similar setup would be great for you. I cant figure out how to put pictures on here, but post your email and I would gladly send you some pictures that I took with that set-up. After days of searching I found the cheapest site to be adorama.com As for going into camera stores I found that they all just want to sell you the most expensive camera.
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06/11/2006 06:46:11 PM · #12 |
I just got into all this stuff (settings) too, and upgraded to the XT a few months ago. I've used it on tons of animals and stuff, so trust me, it's perfect.
A few other people are talking about the lens. I say don't bother getting anything really special. Just EBAY an EF 75-300 lens. If you want the macro, then stand a few fet back and zoom in. Works Perfect for me.
Other than that, good luck "herping" and welcome to the site. |
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06/11/2006 08:24:09 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by jusdino4it:
Hey im 15 and do a lot of animal photography too, only mostly at the zoo where i work. I just made the jump to a DSLR and got the Rebel XT with a a sigma 70-300 lens with a macro setting. //www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=1213 I think that would be good for what you are looking for. All in all i think i ended up spending about $1000 including that lens, a spare battery, the Canon lens that is optional with the Rebel, and a 2gb Sandisk card. I think a similar setup would be great for you. I cant figure out how to put pictures on here, but post your email and I would gladly send you some pictures that I took with that set-up. After days of searching I found the cheapest site to be adorama.com As for going into camera stores I found that they all just want to sell you the most expensive camera. |
Hi, thanks for the tips! My email is earthgnome@gmail.com .. I'd be really interested in seeing some photos with that setup. A couple regular pictures, and some closeups would be great! |
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