Smile for the camera

We've had several friends ask us about what camera we use, so I thought I would write it all down here.

First of all, I am far from a camera expert. I feel like I did quite a bit of research before I bought our camera, but now that I know more about how to use it, I would do things a little bit differently.

Our primary motivation for getting a SLR camera was to get better pictures of Ellen as she got faster and faster. We had an old Casio point and shoot that had seen better days. I knew I wanted a SLR camera and I just picked a Canon because I had read some good reviews. We weren't prepared to spend much more than the basic entry-level SLR, so that's what we got. We've had it for just about 1 year and it is amazing how fast the prices drop.

The Canon Rebel XS and Canon Rebel XSi seemed to be the entry level SLR cameras at the time, and still are I guess. (This is a comparison I read during my research by a novice like me). I decided that the few added benefits of the XSi probably wouldn't be obvious to me and didn't justify the higher price, so we went with the Canon Rebel XS.

We bought a 'package deal' at Best Buy after I had watched the ads for weeks and weeks to get the best deal. We ended up with the Canon Rebel XS body, the kit 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, the 75-200mm lens, a memory card and a bag. (You can probably get all of that now for the price of the camera body back then).

Here's where I would have done it differently: I would not advise anyone to buy a 'package' like we did. I think it is FAR better to just buy the camera body alone and then spend your money on a better lens or lenses.

I have read over and over and over again that the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens is a great deal for the average photographer. It is the least expensive lens that Canon makes and I can say that it made a huge difference in the quality of my pictures. You want the lowest aperture number you can get (the f/1.8 number) - and that is the problem with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. I couldn't get good pictures inside using just regular light without using the flash. The 50 mm f/1.8 is a prime lens (no zoom), so you have to zoom with your feet. It is lightweight, though, and makes the SLR pretty portable (still fits in my average size purse).

Now that I am starting to understand how my camera works, I would like more lenses. Expensive lenses, of course. The Canon Rebel XS (and other lower-end SLRs) have some kind of crop-factor of 1.6, so your 50mm lens actually ends up being like an 80mm lens. In order to get a full frame picture you have to have a much better camera body. I just can't justify that at this point. Or, really, Erik can't.

The very best thing I did after getting my camera was to take a 1-day photography class with a local photographer, Tyler Wirken. I learned so much and left feeling kind of like a dope for just blindly buying a camera and having no idea how to use anything but the auto mode. With a lot of practice, though, I am getting better and feeling more adventurous.

So, bottom line:
1. Buy the SLR body only
2. Buy the lens(es) separately based on how you will be using your camera. (The 50mm is great for faces, not so much for crowds or scenery).
3. Take a class with someone who really knows how to use a camera
4. Even better, if you have a photographer friend, pick their brain before you buy!
5. I just briefly looked at the newer Canon Rebel models, like the T2i, that have video capabilities. My personal feeling is that it isn't worth the upcharge for video - we love our Flip video camera - but I guess it just depends on how you think you will use it.
6. And Erik would add that you should get the Hipstamatic app for your iPhone. He is obsessed.

I have also started reading a lot of photography blogs and it is helpful to read how other people use their equipment. I also feel better about my own pictures since I came to the realization that many photographers use Photoshop. A lot.

If you are wondering, these are the photography blogs I read now and then:
Wirken Blog (not a lot about equipment, but they are just sooo good!)
Pioneer Woman Photography
Ashley Ann Photography (great kid pics and crafty stuff!)
All Things Baby (for newborn pics)
Midwest Photo Exchange (I just learned about this - you can get new and used gear)
There are more ... let me know if you care!

I also like reading photography blogs because it reminds me to take pictures of the everyday, mundane things. Our life isn't a perfect photo shoot, and I like my pictures to reflect that. For example ...


That's a pretty typical Friday for ya!