Kaowdo Loc: Michigan

Hi! My name is Kay. I am a 76 yr old female, and a real novice. I wish I had some good meaty photography techy stuff to talk about, but I don't...darn it. Maybe later...when I get a Camera.

Right now I'm looking for a kind soul that would take the time to answer an ole granny's dumb question. I've been Googling it for over an hour...and can't get the answer. Probably to dumb a question for Mr. Google to answer. OK...here it is. I'm looking for an older Canon DSLR, so I can get a nice lens to take jewelry photo's. I notice that those Camera's have a Window's 7 operating system, but my computer is Windows 10. Will a SD card from a windows 7 camera...still work in a Windows's 10 computer? I can't buy a Camera til I know the answer...

Just think...when I get the Camera...I'll be back here asking lots of high (or low) tech questions...which will be more interesting.

(Yesterday I didn't know the difference between a Point and Shoot, a Bridge, a DSLR and a SLR...so I am growing by leaps and bounds

Thank you
Kay

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Hi Kay. Welcome to UHH.

There are not any Canon cameras with a Windows operating system of any kind. Nor are SD cards dependent upon one one operating system or another.

Which Canon DSLR are you considering, and which lens?

Mike

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your question will be helped if you identify the camera model and card type, by brand and model, in a reply. But in general, digital cameras and SD / CF memory cards are upwardly compatible with new Windows-based computers, definitely with a computer that could run Win7 onwards. However, depending on the specific camera models and card types involved, the idea of backward compatible may be an issue. For example, newer camera cards measure 64GB or larger. However, cameras now 12+ years old may not be able to use a card that large. Also, digital camera's have their own brand-proprietary operating systems. The insides of the camera are not Windows-based where Win7 vs Win10 is not a potential issue. But again, reference to the specific models being considered will help to clarify and alleviate this concern.

Welcome aboard.

Kaowdo Loc: Michigan

Thank you soooo much Mike. I thought that was the case, but this is what it said (I copy and pasted it)
Operating System Supported Microsoft Windows 7.

I'm looking at a Canon Rebel 3Ti, or could go older if it doesn't matter which windows is supported, as I have learned that the lens is the most important. The camera comes with a 18-55mm lens. Of course I would like one that is fairly easy to operate. Any suggestions?

Kay

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

There's no risk with Windows, for the camera to "talk" to the computer via a USB cable, with regard to an EOS Rebel T3i. This camera model will also support "modern" memory cards and those cards can be inserted directly into the card reader of the computer, if your model was such an insert slot.

Kaowdo Loc: Michigan

Yes my computer has a card reader.

I have a regular ScanDisk memory card, but I read that you should buy a more updated (especially for photo's) memory card. Is that right?

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Welcome to the forum. If you are looking for an older used Canon crop sensor camera. You may want to look into a Rebel Series camera. T-3 and T-4. But, you'll have to get a satisfactory lens for jewelry. I've done macro and closeup shots of small signs. But never jewelry. Good luck.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Maybe a new card is needed, but probably not. It depends. You probably want to have more than one card, either because your run out of space while out shooting, or you misplace one, or a problem develops, etc.

Again, specifics always help in technical discussions. Certain cards work better for video or for achieving 10 frames per second in high action sports or birds in flight. Sandisk cards of size 32GB that would be appropriate for general photography with a Rebel T3i run and they about $15 and are widely available at Best Buy, Staples, etc. If your current card is not at least 16GB, you'd be justified in picking up another 32GB / 16GB card or two.

You can visit the Support Section of the USA.CANON.COM website and download a PDF copy of the T3i or any EOS body your end up buying. Cards of type SD, SDHC, SDXC should work fine in T3i camera, based on the documentation in the manual. One candidate card in the $15 range is the SanDisk 32GB Extreme SDHC. A 16Gb card would be cheaper, but smaller cards are getting harder to find in general stores as the larger sizes are becoming the general standard size.

Kaowdo Loc: Michigan

Thank you sooooo much. I guess all my searching has helped, as the camera I am considering is a Canon Rebel T3i. Some come with a 18-55 lens, but from what I have learned I should get my own lens. Do you know what lens would be best for Macro photography?

Kaowdo Loc: Michigan

Thank you so much Mike. That really helps. Now I just have to decide whether to buy the body only camera, or one with the l8-55 lens.

Kaowdo Loc: Michigan

Mike..what would be the difference between a Rebel T3i or a Rebel T5?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you have an option of only a body, consider that option but also your intended purposes. If you only / always wanted macro-like product images, skip the 18-55. But, if you want a camera that lets you take pictures of friends, family, landscape, travel in addition to product images, the 18-55 is a modestly priced, general purpose lens for these other uses that makes your camera most useful.

Check your local stores as well as a specialized used equpment reseller = KEH.com. For non moving subjects (jewerly or flowers / plants indoors and not bees / insects), you can use a lens with a focal length less than 100mm. A dedicated macro lens, even used at shorter focal lengths, will still run $200+. For macro-specific ideas, consider:

Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro
Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM

Kaowdo Loc: Michigan

Thank you sooo much. I want the Camera obviously for jewelry photo's, but...I have a strong feeling that I'm really going to get into this, and start taking more photo's. Family landscapes etc. Years ago I had a SLR (film) that I loved...til it got dropped in the River.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

At any given T# model, the 'i' version is the more advanced, typically with a movable screen that would help with your macro shooting. They'll also be more expensive. You probably should establish a target budget for the combined camera and lens(es). Any Rebel recent model numbered '3' or higher will be more than enough camera for your needs. The newest, higher numbered models have more and more advanced features, typically larger sensors, all at higher prices. Looking at images in well-lit situations, you'll struggle to be able to identify which camera created which image.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Paul suggested the Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro, and I heartily agree. That is the one lens that would work for the jewelry, and will serve as a great all purpose lens as well. Mine gets a ton of use.

You might want to look at Canon factory refurbished equipment. I have been very happy with that program. I see a few Rebels available right now:

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-interchangeable-lens-cameras#facet:&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:11&pageView:grid&pageSize:72&

Lots of people will offer advice to new people here, and it can be difficult to know who is knowledgeable and who is not. CHG_CANON (Paul) is extremely trustworthy and knowledgeable.

There are a number of specialty forums here that are very good but that are easy to miss. For example, you might be interested in these:

True Macro-Photography Forum:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

Commercial and Industrial Photography
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-126-1.html

Mike