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Get me out of "Auto"...please!
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Jul 30, 2014 15:40:10   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
GrandmaG wrote:
I've tried using the SB900 off the camera as a slave but apparently the SB400 doesn't work as a master. Maybe I need TWO SB900s? Or just other lights...

There are interesting trigger options available now. Pocket Wizard makes excellent products, but there are other, cheaper ones available as well. I have only used pocket wizards, so I can't specifically recommend other ones.

If you get a second SB900, it can stay on the camera and act as a commander, and at some point in the future you can take both off camera, for more creative lighting.

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Jul 30, 2014 15:47:43   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
GrandmaG wrote:
I've had the D5000 Nikon DSLR for several years and I still use mostly the automatic settings. It seems I'm always in a hurry to get pictures & don't (or can't) take my time with them. I have 3 lenses, 2 speedlights, and a polarized filter.

I mostly use the 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6G lens that came with the camera and my SB400 Speedlight. I use my 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G when on vacation. These 3 items, the filter, & the cords fit nicely in my small tamrac bag (plus the camera body, of course). The SB 900 speedlight and the 35mm 1:1.8G lens mostly stay in my other camera bag at home. I've only used them a few times. I love the quality of the pictures and the fact that there is no lag time, plus I can take a burst of photos to catch just the right expressions on my grand children's faces. I have played around with RAW photos a bit and edit some photos in Adobe PSE 8.0. I would love to learn how to use more of the features of my camera so I can take professional looking portraits and group shots.
I've had the D5000 Nikon DSLR for several years an... (show quote)

It is all you, looks like you've gotten way lazy with your shooting style, you may need to take a different approach and tell yourself to not push the shutter, unless you thought about what it is you really like about what you're looking at and are about to take a picture of. Then you should take your time to think what would be the best approach to achieve what you see in your mind (best: step by step). Follow through with that and you'll start to "hate" >Auto< in no time! Don't be in a hurry, try to enjoy the time thinking about it and then doing it. Take your time!

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Jul 30, 2014 15:49:42   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
GrandmaG wrote:
I've tried using the SB900 off the camera as a slave but apparently the SB400 doesn't work as a master. Maybe I need TWO SB900s? Or just other lights...

BTW, if you click on the "Quote Reply" link under the specific post you are responding to, that comment will be included in your post, so we can follow the various threads of this discussion. :-)

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Jul 30, 2014 16:04:47   #
AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ
 
fotohouse wrote:
4) After that pictures at one stop increments in adjustment to the aperture and adjust the shutter speed back to zero.

Sorry for the typo, 4 should read:

4) After that picture, adjust the aperture at one stop increments and then use the shutter speed adjustment to meter back to zero.

Doing this will show the different DOF you will get at each aperture, that way one can learn to use the DOF, to isolate the subject from the background. Also distance from the subject and focal length can effect the DOF for a given scene.

Most people just pick up the camera, focus, and shoot. Aperture can be used to isolate the subject and shutter speed can be used to capture movement or to freeze it depending on what you are trying to do.
4) After that pictures at one stop increments in a... (show quote)


Thank you so much for taking the time to clarify the point. I am really trying to learn and really appreciate all the help I can get. Thanks, Bob

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Jul 30, 2014 16:18:59   #
lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA
 
GrandmaG wrote:
I shoot in RAW & Jpeg, so I have the choice to tweak a pic; but I am far from comfortable with it. Also, I probably need to upgrade PSE since I am still using v. 8. I'm studying PSE from a book on PSE 6!


That is a good idea for a beginner, shoot in both RAW and JPG. If you happen to get a good one right from the camera you are done. If it needs or could use some work you have a RAW file to fix properly. Wow, still using PSE 8. I have PSE 7 on my LapTop from when I purchased it it 2009, but I very rarely ever use PSE anymore. I mainly use full Photoshop CS6. I got one of the last Disks, so no CSCC subscriptions for me for now anyway! I also have Lightroom Lr4.4 on my computer but I have not learned to use it yet. I think Adobe is up to Elements 11 or 12 by now!

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Jul 30, 2014 16:47:31   #
pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY
 
GrandmaG wrote:
My head IS spinning a little but there is so much good advice here! Now that I am mostly retired, I can experiment with my camera. I am posting a few pictures but please don't laugh!


A quick and dirty adjust with LR. Of curse they are small jpg images so there isn't mush to play with.





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Jul 30, 2014 16:53:45   #
GaryS1964 Loc: Northern California
 
fotohouse wrote:
The main problem with auto is the camera does not know what the subject is and many shots need to be shot at a plus or minus on the exposure to maximize dynamic range. If you are talking snap shots then yes auto is fine and so is a camera phone.


Exactly only a good DSLR will probably take better pictures than a camera phone. You can buy a quality DSLR and get better quality pictures all things being equal. You don't have to use all or any of the advance features of the DSLR to enjoy the enhanced IQ you can get over a point and shoot. If someone wants to pay a premium for a quality DSLR and then shoot in Auto all the time that is their prerogative.

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Jul 30, 2014 17:35:16   #
GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI
 
GaryS1964 wrote:
Exactly only a good DSLR will probably take better pictures than a camera phone. You can buy a quality DSLR and get better quality pictures all things being equal. You don't have to use all or any of the advance features of the DSLR to enjoy the enhanced IQ you can get over a point and shoot. If someone wants to pay a premium for a quality DSLR and then shoot in Auto all the time that is their prerogative.


Once I get comfortable with using my D 5000 in manual, I will probably want to upgrade my camera. I'm still debating the Canon vs Nikon issue but I see other users prefer different brands. What would you consider a GOOD DSLR? Also, I'm thinking I should switch from DX to FX. Someone said my DX lenses should fit a FX camera body. Aren't Sigma lenses superior?

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Jul 30, 2014 17:37:35   #
GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI
 
pithydoug wrote:
A quick and dirty adjust with LR. Of curse they are small jpg images so there isn't mush to play with.


I do have the RAW files on these

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Jul 30, 2014 17:43:48   #
pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY
 
GrandmaG wrote:
I do have the RAW files on these


Then a lot more can be done especially with the indoor shots and white balance. The white balance is some flavor of florescence and incandescent.

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Jul 30, 2014 17:44:14   #
GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI
 
speters wrote:
It is all you, looks like you've gotten way lazy with your shooting style, you may need to take a different approach and tell yourself to not push the shutter, unless you thought about what it is you really like about what you're looking at and are about to take a picture of. Then you should take your time to think what would be the best approach to achieve what you see in your mind (best: step by step). Follow through with that and you'll start to "hate" >Auto< in no time! Don't be in a hurry, try to enjoy the time thinking about it and then doing it. Take your time!
It is all you, looks like you've gotten way lazy w... (show quote)


Wow, you're the 2nd person who said that I was lazy. Hey, I'm working on that. I need a lot of practice in situations that are not "precious" before I will "know" what I want. I will still listen to yours and ALL the advice I get. Thanx!

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Jul 30, 2014 18:03:51   #
amehta Loc: Boston
 
GrandmaG wrote:
Once I get comfortable with using my D 5000 in manual, I will probably want to upgrade my camera. I'm still debating the Canon vs Nikon issue but I see other users prefer different brands. What would you consider a GOOD DSLR? Also, I'm thinking I should switch from DX to FX. Someone said my DX lenses should fit a FX camera body. Aren't Sigma lenses superior?

So many questions here. :-)
1. Canon vs Nikon vs Sony vs Olympus vs Panasonic vs Fuji vs Pentax doesn't matter too much, but especially with the first two. First decide what level camera you want (full frame/crop sensor, pro/prosumer/consumer). Then you can worry about the brand.

2. The D5000 is a good DSLR. The Canon 1DX is a good DSLR. Ok, the 1DX is a great DSLR. They all take really good pictures, the difference is some advantages in getting more "keepers".

3. Yes, Nikon DX lenses will fit on an FX body, but I think it should only be done for some very good DX lenses. If you are upgrading to a $2k camera, get some lenses to match. Canon EF-S (crop) lenses will not fit on a Canon EF (full frame) body.

4. Some recent Sigma lenses are excellent, especially in the Art-series: 18-35mm f/1.8 DC (=DX), 35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, and 24-105mm f/4. Except for the first one, which is unique, there are comparable lenses from Canon and Nikon, so you get to pick the one you like best.

Keep asking questions, it's a good thing. It means your mind is working away, and you're clearly not lazy. ;-)

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Jul 30, 2014 18:53:10   #
GaryS1964 Loc: Northern California
 
GrandmaG wrote:
What would you consider a GOOD DSLR? Also, I'm thinking I should switch from DX to FX. Someone said my DX lenses should fit a FX camera body. Aren't Sigma lenses superior?


I shoot Canon but prefer not to get involved in the Canon vs Nikon vs X debates. Like Canon, Nikon makes very good cameras. So does Sony, Olympus, and others. If you are looking for something light then go with the Olympus mirrorless cameras. In the end it all boils down to what you like to shoot and how technical you want to get. Most of these cameras will take very nice photos. Most people would be perfectly happy with the pictures coming from any of these cameras. It's only when you start to compare images side by side that you may notice some differences.

Having said that I can see differences between images taken with my 7D and my 5D3. The color is better with the 5D3 and it does better in low light which was important to me because I tend to shoot a lot in low light where flash is prohibited. Plus it has other features I like.

My sister in law is perfectly happy shooting her Canon 7D in Auto exclusively. She so far has expressed no desire in learning how to use the more advanced features of her camera. At first this bothered me but I have since decided that if she is happy with the photos she gets with no interest in doing anything fancy then why should anyone else, including me, care about how she uses her camera. It does the job for her, she takes tons of family photos, and everyone is happy with the results.

As far as lenses goes some Sigmas are better than some Tamrons and vice versa. You can compare lenses at the link below but remember that subtle differences will not likely show up during normal use. http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx

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Jul 30, 2014 20:25:55   #
fotohouse Loc: Northern Illinois
 
GaryS1964 wrote:
Exactly only a good DSLR will probably take better pictures than a camera phone. You can buy a quality DSLR and get better quality pictures all things being equal. You don't have to use all or any of the advance features of the DSLR to enjoy the enhanced IQ you can get over a point and shoot. If someone wants to pay a premium for a quality DSLR and then shoot in Auto all the time that is their prerogative.


My comment in no way was intended to diss those that shoot in auto. I at times shoot in P, A, S, or M depending on what I am trying to get. One should not expect to get the same results from auto modes as a skilled photographer can get in any mode. The camera only does what the photographer tells it to do, I choose to think for mine a bit more ;)

As far as a quality DSLR, even my older 6mp KM7D is still capable of taking stunning pictures provided I don't use high ISO's or at least not try to make large prints at high ISO's. I have fellow photog friends and we all use different equipment, literally every brand is in use in our club and many are using older tech. It is more about composition and knowing how to use a camera than the camera itself. And my recommendation on equipment would be more to the lens side of things than the camera body. Good glass always trumps bodies.

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Jul 30, 2014 21:22:01   #
AndyCE Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
 
amehta wrote:
So many questions here. :-)
Keep asking questions, it's a good thing. It means your mind is working away, and you're clearly not lazy. ;-)


:thumbup: :thumbup:
Andy

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