Photography - Camera Body vs. Lenses

[JimJohnson]

Anyone really into photography? Going to be taking some big time trips over the next 2 years and would like to come away with some awesome shots. Have been told to spend less on the body and more on the lenses. Any suggestions?

 

[nvanprooyen]

Glass is definitely where it can get expensive. First decision to make (assuming you are talking DSLR) is whether you want to get a crop or full frame sensor. Some more information on that here:

http://digital-photography-school.com/full-frame-sensor-vs-crop-sensor-which-is-right-for-you/

Just know that if you get into the full sensor / high end glass things can get expensive very quickly. I'm just a hobbyist, but my Canon T3i has served me well. There are some other guys around here that are more serious about it. There is a photography thread or two floating around here somewhere.

More than the equipment though, you really need to understand a few key concepts around light to maximize your shots. Namely aperture, iso and shutter speed. These 3 things in conjunction with each other will ultimately impact the final image.

https://photographylife.com/iso-shutter-speed-and-aperture-for-beginners

Canon has this cool little thing that allows you to play around with these to get a better feel for the relationship these 3 things have:

http://www.canonoutsideofauto.ca/play/

Also you should spend some time understanding / playing around with composition:

http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/3372/18-composition-rules-for-photos-that-shine/

And finally, it would be good to learn some software for post processing. I personally use lightroom:

https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/tutorials.html

Bottom line is, with even a consumer level DSLR you can take some amazing shots. It's just a tool. The skill / art comes from lots of practice. Personally I'd start with a midrange crop sensor model from either Canon or Nikon. You can always upgrade in a few years if you get really serious about it. Hope some of that helps.

 

[botfly10]

get a holga

 

[JimJohnson]

Ah great, thanks for the good info!! I'm actually headed to Italy in 3 weeks and doubt very much I'll be able to pick this all up by then. So let me ask: Typically with my photos, my girlfriend will take a picture of me with an awesome backdrop (sometimes historical monument, nature, cool looking street, etc). Any thoughts on what I'd be best served with?

Sounds like full frame gives better image quality but I guess I'm wondering with what I'm interested in if it would even make that much of a difference compared to the crop.

 

[botfly10]

Get a nikon or cannon point and shoot with options for manual settings for the future

 

[nvanprooyen]

Bot, you still shooting? It's been forever for me. I need to get going again.

 

[nvanprooyen]

Ah great, thanks for the good info!! I'm actually headed to Italy in 3 weeks and doubt very much I'll be able to pick this all up by then. So let me ask: Typically with my photos, my girlfriend will take a picture of me with an awesome backdrop (sometimes historical monument, nature, cool looking street, etc). Any thoughts on what I'd be best served with?

Sounds like full frame gives better image quality but I guess I'm wondering with what I'm interested in if it would even make that much of a difference compared to the crop.

There is a difference, but just starting out I wouldn't recommend a full frame camera. When you are still learning I don't think the difference would justify the cost. I've been at it for maybe 3 years on and off....and I still don't feel like I've really maximized what I can do w/ my camera. What bot said is another (even less expensive) option too. Point and shoot that allows you to go into manual to adjust settings. It just depends on how serious you want to get w/ it and the financial commitment you're willing to make.

 

[JimJohnson]

There is a difference, but just starting out I wouldn't recommend a full frame camera. When you are still learning I don't think the difference would justify the cost. I've been at it for maybe 3 years on and off....and I still don't feel like I've really maximized what I can do w/ my camera. What bot said is another (even less expensive) option too. Point and shoot that allows you to go into manual to adjust settings. It just depends on how serious you want to get w/ it and the financial commitment you're willing to make.

Maybe I'm a crappy shooter but I've had P&S and never felt like the images were much better than what I can get with my phone cam.

Not to mention it seems like P&S is a thing of the past. When I'm on trips, I hardly see anyone with these things. They've either got the big fancy cam with the lenses or they're just taking phone selfies.

 

[LordKOTL]

Right now I'm saving to get a Nikon FX-format DSLR. I have a Nikon Film SLR and don't reallty want my existing lenses to go to waste.

The problem is deciding who I sell for glue to be able to get it .

 

[1COBearsfan]

I bought Understanding Exposure at the same time that I bought my Canon 60D. As I read the book I played along with the camera and it helped immensely. As has already been stated, you'll get better pics by spending money on better glass

 

[BlackHawkPaul]

I've had a Canon 7D since 2010, and have a few lenses that I own, but am lucky enough to have a Zeiss prime kit at the ready.

 

[BlackHawkPaul]

Notre Dame hockey

Glass seats at the ND hockey game

Zion National Park at night. 90 second exposure. Notice the blurriness of the stars, which is actually the earth's rotation.

 

[BlackHawkPaul]

Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ.

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO.

All were shot on my 7D with various lenses.
I wish I had a 5D, because I can use so much more with a full frame sensor, but my 7D has been a workhorse.

 

[BlackHawkPaul]

Here's a link to a 1 hour time lapse I did with my Blackmagic Cinema camera at the Grand Canyon.
[video=vimeo;75550037]https://vimeo.com/75550037[/video]

 

[Unannounced Fart]

Those are some great pictures, man.

 

[Tater]

Great pics Paul. The pic of the Chevelle, was that taken at a car show in Barrington by any chance?

 

[1COBearsfan]

Love that shot of RMNP(they're all awesome though). And I want a Zeiss prime sooooo bad. I've got a 50mm 1.4 which is pretty awesome so the Zeiss will have to wait for a while.

 

[nvanprooyen]

Better than mine. I only have a 50mm F/1.8 It was inexpensive though.

 

[BlackHawkPaul]

Great pics Paul. The pic of the Chevelle, was that taken at a car show in Barrington by any chance?

There's a yearly show in downtown Aurora every summer.

 

[BlackHawkPaul]

From this site:
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/picture-show-you-clearly-the-effects-aperture-shutter-speed-and-iso-images.html