it’s just a tool.

I’m posting again without any pictures…sorry!  In the last 6 months or so, I’ve been inundated with emails asking about cameras and what not.  The world of DSLR has changed SLR photography forever – and lots of people are tired of shutter lag that comes from point and shoots, I get that.  I have received many inquiries that are really well thought out and from people who really want to learn – and I really like to help.

*disclaimer:  it’s not a snooty I’m – better – than – you post by any means.  It’s simply meant to educate somewhat, and help those in the market for a new camera think of  a few things and be aware of a few things before making that big purchase.*

I also get the “what kind of camera do you have?! Ive got to get one like that!”  Well I must tell you, the cameras and lenses? They are just tools. 

If you do not know how to manipulate the exposure (yes, you must learn to shoot manual and semi-manual modes – automatic wont do what your thinking  of), your results will be the same as your point and shoot (P&S).  If the light is too low and youre not using flash – you’ll get the same result – a slow shutter speed and a blurry picture.  Those principles do not change because the camera you bought costs a lot. Sorry!

I encourage those with interest to purchase one at a decent price – for sure!  Photography is an amazing hobby.  But please, don’t get caught up in the “megapixel” scheme.  You can make an 8×10 with an old 3.2 megapixel camera.  You do not need that 12 MP camera to get decent snapshots – don’t get suckered in by the guys at Best Buy trying to get you to spend that extra $300.00 for it, you just don’t need it.  They’ll try to sell you the 70-300 zoom too for what seems like a great price – but really its cheap (in most opinions)  build and you’ll need a tripod if you’re not using flash… and you cant use a pop-up flash with that long of a lens, so you’ll have to buy an external flash to attach – and BAM, they’ve got another $250-500 dollars out of you.

People gasp when I tell them that the lens they are asking about that is attached to my camera costs well over a thousand dollars.  Sure the lens gives me added sharpness and clarity (and super fast focus!) but If i didn’t know how to manipulate the exposure that the lens will allow for – it’s useless. 

This my friends, is how you can spend THOUSANDS on photography equipment and have it function just like your $200 dollar P&S camera.  I write this in kindness that if you are searching for a DSLR or a higher-end P&S, that you will do your homework and not get screwed on things you do not need, or can’t use because you do not understand the operations.

I love when others show interest and want my opinions on equipment or a camera body – and I love when others can take the advice seriously and run with it.  I encourage anyone interested to take some classes or at least read some books to understand the relationship of ISO, Shutter Speeds, and Aperture values…white balance.  When you see me photographing, I am adjusting these with (almost) every image.  A lot of thought and calculation goes into what I refer to as artwork.

Once you’ve spent years learning the functions and getting it wrong more times than right – you’ll finally start to be satisfied when you realize you’re never going to stop learning.  Then you’ll understand the annoyance when people want to know why you charge what you do – because you work HARD.  It’s fun, but it’s definitely work. 

So, in your DSLR search, remember:

1. bigger isn’t always better*. in fact, it almost never is (excluding L series lenses, that candy is always better!)

*I shoot with two 40d’s, and know consumers who’ve purchased the 50d’s recently and cant figure out why the “images don’t look like” mine. please don’t get sucked into the gimmick! get what you need for your usage, hand size, etc.  Most pros are still shooting with 20/30d’s and are dead set on never letting them go. And I don’t blame them.  Mind you, these are 6 MP cameras I think.

2. megapixels are a scam for the consumer dollar.

3. don’t buy the long lens if you’re going to use it indoors unless you’re going to buy a flash unit, too.

4.  take your popup flash and rip it off (not really), it ruins your photographs if your not going to diffuse it.

5. learn, learn learn! get your money’s worth!

A good camera? Yes… but it’s only as good as its user – pro or enthusiast.

Examples: 

You purchase an auctioned set of Tiger Woods’ golf clubs.  You probably won’t be shooting any hole-in-ones’ right away.

A great Chef is not the result of his pots.  They might benefit his cooking, but he or she controls the end result.  It’s how you cook it.  Burnt food tastes like crap.

If you buy all the fancy canvas’ and paints to create a painting – fancy brushes included – if you do not have an artists training and knowledge, you cannot utilize them in the way they are meant to.  The paint doesn’t create the image on the canvas, the Artist does.

It’s a common peeve shared by many photographers – that misconception that we over charge (I absolutely do not think I overcharge) for something simple.  However, we love to help and we love to help educate those interested in taking it seriously. 

So, if you’ve got questions – ASK! Don’t get stuck in a large investment that you later on want to throw out the window =) 

Remember, it’s just a tool.  If you need help picking one out – I’m happy to assist =)

Happy Shopping!