Real novice needs help (Page 3): First, read the manual with the camera in front of you. That way you learn where all the controls are. Then I would try shooting anything and...

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Jimmer wrote:

I have been reading the Hog for a couple of years ... (show quote)

First, read the manual with the camera in front of you. That way you learn where all the controls are. Then I would try shooting anything and everything with the various modes. See what mode seems to work the best for you and your shooting style. Then research what you are likely to shoot on your trip. Practice shooting something similar here state side and see how to shoot the photo you want. I would use P (Program mode) before A or iA. But rather than create frustration over settings, use A or iA when you are not sure what to do. Also, see if your camera offers picture modes. Theses can do many of the set ups for you. And remember to put the camera down and take it all in around you. The experiences will fill your soul and help you with your next shot. Remember: no one's camera can get all the shots, but one mind can do it much better and learn from it.

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

Jimmer wrote:

I have been reading the Hog for a couple of years ... (show quote)

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If you are considering buying another lens, depending on the cost, you might be further ahead to buy a bridge camera to take. There are a number of good ones available, both new and refurbished that are available. I have a Canon PowerShot SX50 which covers 24mm - 1200mm optical zoom range. The advantage is there are no lenses to change, just zoom to whatever focal length you need and shoot. It also offers both RAW and JPG options for your pictures.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I have read most of the posts and disagree with most of them-first off you have a great auto camera so use it that way and you will loose far less images than you will trying to spontaneously use manual settings you only have a short time to learn - set your auto ISO as high as it will go for those unexpected low light shots-if you are using even the most basic digital editing program you can bring dark photos to life easily.
Extra batteries and charger is a must- as for your lens the 18-55 is great "but" on a once in a life time trip your would miss so much without a longer lens - I suggest you spend $200 and purchase a Tamron 18-200 w/IS - it is light and only 2X the size of the 18-55
Next buy this chest camera harness - you camera will always be within arms reach immediately as well as secure from theft, loss or dropping-I wear mine on the plane so I don't have to check it -some times there are great photos if you have a window seat.
https://www.amazon.com/USA-Harness-Neoprene-Pattern-Accessory/dp/B013JD0NBU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3HAWVR0YGGT7Z&keywords=chest+camera+harness&qid=1555348711&s=gateway&sprefix=camera+harness%2Caps%2C252&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Enjoy your trip and bring back lots of photos of memorable places.

Crater Lake from 30,000 ft
Crater Lake from 30,000 ft...

(Download)

Bill_R Loc: Southeastern Wisconsin

billnikon wrote:

Narrow streets and church interiors scream for the 16-50 mm. I believe you will be pleased with that choice.

My wife and I made this trip about five years ago. Based on that experience, I wholeheartedly agree with this comment. My wife and I only carried pocket sized point and shoots. Sure, they were limited in ability, but we still ended up with many wonderful shots. Concentrating on the experience and not fussing with camera equipment will make for a more memorable trip - IMO.

le boecere

RKL349 wrote:

If you would like, I would be happy to give you, only for the cost of shipping, David Busch’s Sony a6000 Guide to Digital Photography and a Wasabi battery and charger. PM me if interested.

Now THERE is a wonderful and charitable offer!

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

radiojohn wrote:

Someone's #1 (taking ISO off auto) was not great a... (show quote)

Auto Iso tends to give a consistently high ISO.....in bright sunshine this will blow out colour. For landscapes a low ISO is always preferable...Most holiday shots are done in daylight and involve landscapes rather than close-ups. My thinking anyways

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Jimmer wrote:

I have been reading the Hog for a couple of years ... (show quote)

If, as you said, you want to bring one lens, it would be the
16-50. My daughter has an a6000. Excellent camera. >Alan

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I would add one thing - I don’t know your camera, but if it’s capable of shooting both RAW and JPEG, I would do so. Even if you don’t edit in RAW right now, you might want the greater depth of information some day. On a once in a lifetime trip, why not?

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I would add one thing - I don’t know your camera, but if it’s capable of shooting both RAW and JPEG, I would do so. Even if you don’t edit in RAW right now, you might want the greater depth of information some day. On a once in a lifetime trip, why not?

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

AndyH wrote:

I would add one thing - I don’t know your camera, but if it’s capable of shooting both RAW and JPEG, I would do so. Even if you don’t edit in RAW right now, you might want the greater depth of information some day. On a once in a lifetime trip, why not?

I disagree as for a novice photographer/tourist on this type of trip battery life and card space is more important than - "well someday I'll be doing PP in RAW".
I sent my Canon SX 30 with a missionary who was going there for 2 weeks - he wa glad he left his DSLR kit home.

ronaldwrightdallas

I took a couple of trips with just the 16-50. it is a small and pretty sharp lens. try to shoot it at f5.6 and f8 and you really only need one lens. (I now own many more lenses and love the 18-105)

like the suggestion of taking a walk every day and shooting at least 5 photos of something to get a feel for the camera. always shoot raw if you can, raw plus jpg if you must. take extra batteries and cards.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

We visited Israel in 1970. I don't remember exactly what camera I used but possibly a 35mm rangefinder using Kodachrome and Ektachrome film or a SLR with a 50mm lens using the same film. Got some fine photos with this rig. I recently scanned a 35mm slide from that trip of the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt. Tabor) with the sun setting behind it and blew it up to 13x19 size making a really dramatic presentation -- 49 years later! Love that Kodachrome (RIP). So the issue is not the equipment but take LOTS of shots and cull out the ones you don't like. A 32 or 64gb memory card should be adequate particularly if you stick to JPG (the suggestion to photo also in RAW is a little much for a rank amateur). The shorter, wider lens (16-50mm) would be the best.

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

I originally bought the same kit. That's why my user id is "a6k". I eventually got a better long lens but kept the original kit wide-zoom. That lens is much better in the real world than its reviews. Take them both. Replace the long zoom if you must but you won't do better unless you accept more size and weight.

The only problem with the kit wide-zoom is that it's not very fast. For outdoors, don't worry about that and for indoors, practice slow-shutter shots!

Keep that little pancake lens. REALLY! With that on the camera it's almost pocket size.

The attached picture was taken with the a6000 and the same kit lens you have. SOOC. It's a fairly good example of sharpness, lack of flare, dynamic range and depth of field. Just for starters.

Have a wonderful trip.

(Download)

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Harvey wrote:

I disagree as for a novice photographer/tourist on this type of trip battery life and card space is more important than - "well someday I'll be doing PP in RAW".
I sent my Canon SX 30 with a missionary who was going there for 2 weeks - he wa glad he left his DSLR kit home.

Cards cost what, about a Jackson for 32k? They take up no space. And batteries not much more? (Saving in both formats costs hardly any battery life, from what I’ve read)

How much does such a once in a lifetime opportunity cost? My greatest photographic regret is that I didn’t start saving RAW files sooner. Some of the opportunities I missed cannot be recreated. But maybe that’s just me.

Andy

jhallen

1. Follow the advice of the poster who recommended taking 5 pictures a day for 5 days with each of your lenses.
2. Check your battery charger, it may already be set up for 120-240 volts in which case you only need the adapters to convert from US to Israeli sockets.
3. Invest in the polarizing filters and add a neutral density filter if possible
4. Don't vacation through the eyepiece, take in the beauty of the sights and then decide if you want to make an image.
5. Use RAW and jpeg if available. Jpeg loses too much detail in processing.
Most important is have fun!!