New camera (my first SLR) and my new bike

[bobsmith]

Just got my first SLR camera last weekend and decided to go around do some experimenting.

Canon 350D.

first pic is my new bike with the camera on mini tripod, on board flash assisted with ISO100, the kit 18-55mm EF-S lens shot at focal length of 22mm, 30seconds and F/6.3

Second and third pics were shot at ISO200 with the 75-300mm EF canon lens included with the "twin lens kit" second pic was shot at focal length 300mm, 1/200 sec and F/5.6, and third was shot at focal length 155mm, 1/250 sec and F/5.6 also.

Still working on my pictures but hey these are much better than anything I've taken before.

[N4CR]

Nice shots man.. I had a go with the 350d on sunday, it's a little small for me but nice camera none the less especially the quality.. I like that zzr photo, good setup with the light man. I just inherited a 300d but it needs repairs, so dad went got a new 20d for himself. He spends too much money on cameras eh :\
He was going to get the 350d but the spare batteries he had for the 300d didn't fit in it due to size constraints (smaller casing as I mentioned) so 20d was same size camera but a better deal as he could use 3 batteries with it now to account for the small price gap between 350-20d.

Look forwards to seeing some more shots from you, i'll be getting into it soon :)

[Motu]

Wow,you got the depth of field pretty narrow with the sparrow,he's right in the zone.

[bobsmith]

Thanks, I wish I used a higher ISO setting and a slower exposure to make the bike a bit brighter but didn't think of that at the time, also I was in a bit of a hurry so only took that one photo.

Just got a tripod and going out to get a remote switch tomorrow so I'll be having some play with some night photographs. willl post here when I do.

[EDIT] - the battery that comes with the camera is only 600mAh but it seems to last ages, I got a 512MB card and I go through that about 4 times without charging and I still haven't had a low battery warning... I've seen some 1000mAh batteries for this camera forr $25 each though, they should be nice, but before that, I need a bigger memory card. I hear the 300Ds are pretty good too, a little bigger than 350D hope you get it up and going soon.

- Thanks motu

[Wolf]

I agree with Motu, that shot of the sparrow is bang on!

I also think the shot of your bike is nicely "atmospheric". It looks really good. I think if you'd brightened it up too much it would not seem to flow out of the surroundings so well.

Edit: SLRs are the only way to go.

[MrMelon]

Cool photos.
I want an SLR, my photos never come out that good with my little point and click sony 5mp digital. Digital SLR's are still crazy expensive though aren't they?

[bobsmith]

Digital SLR's are still crazy expensive though aren't they?

HP HP HP HP HP HP HP HP HP HP

.. may not be the best answer for everyone but I saw the twin lens deal at bond n bond with 2 years interest free and $30 fee (it was really $33 but whatever) I couldn't resist...

[N4CR]

Saw a 2nd hand 300d in camera and camera with lense for 800 bucks... 1. something brand new from memory. Launched at 2.4k hahaha

[soundbeltfarm]

Cool shots mate.
Im looking at the 350D too.
is that deal the one from harvey norman with the twin lens?
do the lens have IS on them?
Im no photo pro but am really keen on photography since about christmas.
done some online courses.
I think the sparrow is a good pic but the eyes are not the main point of focus.
and a tighter crop would really make it stand out.
In saying this my pics are real crap so i am probably wrong with what i just said.
awesome pics though man for only just getting the camera.
Im coming to palmy on sunday for couple of nights so might check out harvey norman.

[kiwifruit]

wicked pictures, esp the sparrow shots :niceone:

cool bike too, congrats :)

[bobsmith]

I got it from bond n bond, I think bond and bond, harvey norman, and noel leeming all have same deal except that at bond n bond, you get a bag and 512MB memory card, (I don't think others do) it was the 1800 deal, so NO the lenses do NOT have IS on them... (I bloody wish they did........) These are probably the cheapest lenses you can get in their respective sizes (the "toy lenses" I've heard some people call them) Plenty good for me at the moment (though with my shakey hands IS would be nice...) and I don't have a fortune to spend on it. (still have to pay back my bike)

[bobsmith]

Oh and I do have photoshop cs2, etc but haven't had much time to play around yet... These are straight out of the camera with no processing other than the resizing to make them a respectable size for the forum.

[Kendog]

That bike shot is awsome, and the sparrow ones are damn good as well.

I am thinking about getting the Panasonic FZ30, but am not sure I would be happy as the SLR's seem to give better pictures.

Did you think about getting one of the 'pretend' SLR cameras?

[nadroj]

Sony DSCH series is a good non SLR range with good zoom range.
For all camera prices check out Pricespy.co.nz which gives best prices and links to retailers + manufacturers.

[bobsmith]

That bike shot is awsome, and the sparrow ones are damn good as well.

I am thinking about getting the Panasonic FZ30, but am not sure I would be happy as the SLR's seem to give better pictures.

Did you think about getting one of the 'pretend' SLR cameras?

Not sure how much Panasonic FZ30 is but I've seen one of those pretend slrs before and for the price they are, I would pick an SLR over them any day. The thing is as I understand their sensor size is like normal point and shoot cameras, I believe half the reason SLRs are so good are for their sensor size which minimises noise, etc... also, you can keep upgrading lenses!!! I say, if you're going to spend decent amount of money, get a SLR

[edit] - remember, it's not all about zoom, etc... it's more about the quality of the sensor, lens, etc...

[kiwisfly]

damn damn fart & bugger you all:nya:
Am in the market for a camera, thought I'd narrowed it down to the Canon A700 deal via Mr Norman but you've gone & bloody upset the process!!!
The Canon 350D is pretty nice really eh, yeah, pefect...what problem with decisions! Awww shit.

[Kendog]

Not sure how much Panasonic FZ30 is but I've seen one of those pretend slrs before and for the price they are, I would pick an SLR over them any day. The thing is as I understand their sensor size is like normal point and shoot cameras, I believe half the reason SLRs are so good are for their sensor size which minimises noise, etc... also, you can keep upgrading lenses!!! I say, if you're going to spend decent amount of money, get a SLR

[edit] - remember, it's not all about zoom, etc... it's more about the quality of the sensor, lens, etc...

Well, after much procrastination, I opted for the 350D as well.

Sticking with the bike & bird theme, here are some first day efforts.

[bobsmith]

Nice pics, which set did you get? (the basic kit with one lense, the body only with other better lenses or the twin lens kit) I got the twin lens kit and they are plenty good but after trying out some night shots I'm starting to think about better lenses already... Here are a few first time attempts at night shots by me.

[Kendog]

Nice night shots.

I Went for the twin lens kit, wanting to learn first, see if I enjoy myself before spending too much money (pretty sure the better half thinks I have already crossed that line :blip: )

Seeing this thread kicked me into gear, looked at http://www.dpreview.com/ and made the choice. The 350 was something I had been eyeing up for ages.

This photo (http://randyr.smugmug.com/photos/78931554-O.jpg) was the final motivator, I want to take pictures like this.

After having a quick play I can see there is much to learn.

[bobsmith]

Seeing this thread kicked me into gear, looked at http://www.dpreview.com/ and made the choice. The 350 was something I had been eyeing up for ages.

Yes, I found that website just a few days ago, and it was a big eye opener, great website for info on photography especially in the forums... (the actual forum layout and functions lack compared to kb but the people there are very very helpful and quick!)

I wound suggest any "would be" photographer to check out the website first.

Oh and I've found that the telephoto lens that comes with the twin kit isn't too bad, and It's a EF lens (not EF-S) which I think means that it can be used with 35mm canons as well (EF-s lenses can only be used with Canon digital slrs which has sensors that are smaller than 35mm I believe)....