The New Toy
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The new camera (Cannon) arrived today, but by the time the battery charged it was night. I took it out to see if night photography would work. A lot of shots just wouldn't take, even holding the button down for minutes. I'm unfamiliar with the tripod and it's made the pictures worse so far. I took the picture below of a planet or star (click to enlarge) and a few pictures of the moon.
Here's my old forlorn camera (Minolta). I'll still use it for when I don't want to chance carrying the new camera around. It may reside in my car semi-permanently.
I took comparative shots with the Cannon and Minolta cameras, although Billy wasn't too pleased about being the subject.
As you can probably see, the Cannon picture is much more detailed and focused on the actual subject, not everything else, including the blanket. His fur looks more glossy too, but that might just be the flash difference.
I don't yet feel comfortable with the new camera. It's not as heavy as I expected and holding it is actually very comfortable. But the controls are unfamiliar and I'm not used to looking through the viewfinder. I take all of my pictures now through the screen, sometimes not able to see what I'm taking due to the glare of the sun. Still, I know once I get used to the Cannon my pictures will improve. Tomorrow I'll try my sunrise pictures with the Cannon.
Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 9:24:00 AM CDT
A trick for the tripod that my husband taught me. If the exposure needs to be too long to be hand held then put the camera on the tripod, get all your settings exactly as you want them, then put the automatic timer on. This way you won't shake the camera with your hand by pushing the button to take the picture.
Don't worry, it'll feel like second nature to you soon!
Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 5:29:00 PM CDT
Ah, that's a nice camera. I have the XTi - the one that yours replaced. You're going to love your new toy. I don't think it will take you long to get used to it.
Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 10:33:00 PM CDT
Damn, that's a nice camera. Want to come storm chasing with me next spring?
Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 11:02:00 PM CDT
Mamacita: Thanks for the tip. I'll try it.
Chappy: I think I'm getting used to it. The hardest thing for me is that I don't have any zoom, so framing has been more of a challenge. But the pictures are gorgeous and the closeups more than make up for the lack of zoom. I'll have to invest in a zoom lens in the future.
Venjanz: Sure! Just let me know when you go.
Friday, October 24, 2008 at 8:54:00 PM CDT
Catching up with posts and blogs here.
I have a slightly oder version of that same camera (Rebel XT), and I love it. I did buy a zoom lens, a Sigma 28-200mm, and it's really all I use. It's a little heavier and clunkier to carry around with the longer lens, but the flexibility is great.
I bought a book which I've been working with, slowly. I've got to get out and start practicing.