Photography - post your setup with some info

[mine]

I was talking to mike pierson (mppics.com) and photography actually seems kinda fun. It seems like you can make some serious money too. I just want to see what im in for before i dig myself into a hole.

Post your

camera,camera mods,a pic taken with it, and how much you payed for it.

thanks
mike

[Pappy]

While good equipment is helpful, you still need a good grasp of photogaphy to make great pictures. Far to many grab a camera and snap a few pictures and think they are a photographer. Everyone who wants to better themselves should atleast have some basic photography classes or study books on the subject, better yet a few classes on the subject at a local college.

Money? Only a handful of people actually make a living as a photographer, and even out of that handful only a select few make it into a profession. 9 times out of 10, when you meet a photographer they do it on the side and have a full time job outside of photography.

That said, if you have what it takes and can develop the skills needed to excell, it is a pretty cool thing to do. It isnt a cheap thing to get into on the professional level however.


Nikon 200 $1800 (I have 3 of these)
Nikkor 300mm 2.8 $4500
Nikkor 70-200mm 2.8 $1800
Nikkor 17-55mm 1.4 $1400
Nikkor 105mm 1.4 $1400
SB-800 Speedlites ($350 each...3 of these)
MD200 Battery Pack $200 (2 of these)
12 Batteries ($50 each)
10 2 GB cards ($75 each)
Tamarack Expedition Pack $200 (2 of these)
Light Meter $250
Laptop for location work and proofing $1100
Computer dedicated to photography $900
Printer over 4000dpi ($500)
5 External Hardrives for storage ($100 each)
Lightstands, Umbrellas, Light Discs ($500 est)
Filters, cleaning equipment, insurance etc ($400-750 per year)

Thats about what I carry and i do this as a hobby. Yes, I do make money from it, but I have been in it for almost 20 years...lol

[Pappy]

And everyone should carry a camera!

About 10 years ago, an employee for a power company was doing his job and saw a tornado, he pulled out his $100 instamatic camera and snapped 3 pictures. He made over $250,000 from those shots!

Granted thats not an every day thing, Ive made as much money selling to newspapers and magazines shots that I took when I was going through my everyday routine. I snapped a few shots of a resturant on fire years back and made more for 2 pictures used by the baltimore sun then i did working 8 hours at my job...lol luck luck luck(not for the resturant however haha)

The flip side...I spent more then $3500 on a lawyer thanks to pissing off a police officer who I got in trouble based on what was seen in a few pictures I snapped of a drowing. The police did not have life vests on and they got in trouble, and they took their anger out on me as the pictures were run on the front page of the city paper. They had no case, but it still cost me alot of money to just have a lawyer retained and make some calls, not to mention drive me nuts for a few months dealing with threats from the police. (funny how they can turn your life upside down and not have a single charge to bring)

[mine]

Ken, your the man, Is there a good camera to start me off under $500, or a kit.

All I have now is my Kodak easyshare cd33, and the thing is so unresponsive. I would click the button and it will take the picture like two seconds later ?

I'm really looking for something that will just get me started, that is also very responsive. I want to be able to click the button and it will take it that instance,If that made any sense.

[Pappy]

The basic digital slr is really not basic anymore...THANKFULLY!!!!

Nikon has the new D40 out, $599 for a kit and Canon the Rebel around the same price. Both are great starting units. Im sure there are others, some that are not even slr's but you need the flexibilty depending on what you plan to shoot.

I only have all that junk simply because I have no idea what i will need when i am 1000 miles from home covering an event I have never been to. I could easily use just 1 body, speedlight and my 70-200 lens (along with a few cards and batteries) and get just as good of shots, but good just isnt enough for me....I want more!

Ive related camera gear to atv suspension before, and its true. You get the best of what you can afford and always want more. And the same applys to a photographer and a top rider, both can get the job done with stock equipment, but they both also can excell if better tools are there for them. A new person to photography may produce a better image as far as quality or megapixels go, but color management, focus, subject and content etc all play out to make your pictures jump. A class at a community college is fairly inexpensive and even if your goal is just to take better pictures of your kids, it is well worth the knowledge!

[mine]

thanks again ken, I'm really just looking to shoot motocross dirtbikes and atv's. I wont be doing alot of still shots of flowers and nature for example but there will be occasions where i go on vacation or something and i would like to shoot some stills of the envirement. Is there a good site where i can find more information on the cameras and the d-40.

Could you please explain to me what slr is.

Thank you,

Mike

[Jonesy]

Well, I'm working on getting a Nikon SLR very soon (got scammed on ebay so that has set me back) right now I just starting with either a d50 or d70 with a sigma 18-200 lens, just so I can learn the camera before I drop a bunch of money on lenses.

for reviews, terminology and such dpreview.com is an excellent site for researching digital cameras.

Here is a link to a photography post, don't know if you had seen it yet.
http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=240374&perpage=40&highlight=photography&pagenumber=1

[Pappy]

dppreview.com is a pretty decent site that has reviews, and a google search on d40 nikon should lead you to some places.


slr=single lens reflex a term that stemmed from 35mm days(basically it is term that decribes a camera body that uses a removable lens)

the biggest issue you will have on the entry level cameras is the shutter delay. i can not even hardly use my D70s after using my 200's due to the difference in shutter lag and the D70s is a great camera! however, these cameras will be light years ahead of your easyshare;)

[awsomeaussies]

Pappy

Sorry to impose, but what about the Canon Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (with 18-55 mm Lens) ?

I came across a sale on it for 674.00, which is 224.00 off:) I know it's probably not the best lens, but I think it would be a good starter, maybe:confused:

[Pappy]

most of the "kit" lenses are ok & for most people they work just fine!

for action photography, a 70-200 zoom is the most handy lens to have. i have a high dollar 17-55 and havent used it much except for getting some wide angle stuff. not that you cant get great action shots with it however!

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g162/400ex127/HIL_00322.jpg

[mine]

What exactly is the shutter delay, Is it the time from which you push the button to take the pic and the moment it's captured. newb qeustion but this is interesting.

[Pappy]

Originally posted by mine
What exactly is the shutter delay, Is it the time from which you push the button to take the pic and the moment it's captured. newb qeustion but this is interesting.

you got it.

im sure with your easy share you have a ton of blurry pictures when trying to catch a jump etc. the small amount of time from when you press the shutter release to the time the picture is taken is all thats needed to create a fuzzy and blurry shot! the better cameras dont have this problem. im sure soon, this delay will be goine from almost all digital cameras

[Pappy]

And dont think its all fun either....


Its 5 am, I know i am getting ready to leave to run to the GNCC in Tennesee, Harlen is on his way or at the airport to head to the WPSA in Georgia and Shane is or will be leaving today to head to the GNC in Virginia. All in the name of photography and journalism:p

I think the only SOB getting money in all thi sis the dude selling us all the fuel:ermm: :p

[tamehart]

Pappy has made some great points to everyone. I have only been taking photos for a little more than 2 years now and love it! I am shooting with a Canon Mark II and a 70-200 2.8 and absolutley love the set up. I don't have quite the arsenal that Pappy has, but I have enough wrapped up in additional lenses and back up cameras.

If you see any of us at the track and you have your camera in hand, stop us and say hello. I am sure any of us would be willing to help you get off the auto functions and into the world of photography.

I would suggest the Canon XTI to anyone starting out. It is a great camera for anyone! Then start working on buying the top end lenses before upgrading cameras.

Just my opinon.

Hopefully see some of you at Birch Creek this evening!

Take care everyone

[hetrick_racing9]

now pappy i am new to this but like my atv i only want the best.. seeing as i have to work for everything i have right now and i am only 15 should i go ahead and get the new D2XS D-SLR right off the bat.. or learn and as i go on upgrade from a d40 or shud i got for a d40x also what would be a great all around lense ..

[mx428]

Originally posted by hetrick_racing9
now pappy i am new to this but like my atv i only want the best.. seeing as i have to work for everything i have right now and i am only 15 should i go ahead and get the new D2XS D-SLR right off the bat.. or learn and as i go on upgrade from a d40 or shud i got for a d40x also what would be a great all around lense .. 70-200mm is a great lens for all around/MX shooting. Go with the nicest body and lens you can afford, deffinatley don't spend all your money on a body and get a crappy lens. I'm 15 too and I have a 20D and a 70-200mm 2.8, a 15mm fisheye, and I just got a 17-85 that I really like. I started almost a year ago and I was pretty lucky to have a 20D with a 70-200mm and my first camera.

[hetrick_racing9]

u have any example pictures with the 20d and if soo with the lense you mensioned that was best for all around.. cud u please post a picture..

[Mc. Muffin]

I have being wanting a camera for like 5 years now I'm getting agitated lol
Would you guys recommend a Nikon D80? or the D70s?
I would be using it at the skate park and MX track and a few basketball games...
or if you want to consider a few other cameras in the $1200 range let me know...

[XCAdam89]

What do you guys think about this Camera? It's around $800, and I'd like to keep it around there.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra100/

The reason I ask is because I will be graduating next year, and my parents would rather be able to take my own senior pictures, and then have them printed professionally, rather than fork over a couple hundred just for a professional photographer.

What is the overall best camera for around $800?

[iraq66]

i have a sony a100 it came with a 18-70 lense all that together i think it cost less than $800 but i got a quantaray 18-200mm lense with it and some other odds and ends but i love this thing i been taking radom pics of things playing with all the settings and it is just crazy all the things you can do

[iraq66]

here i found this web site tells some good info on buying a new cam hope it helps

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/SonyA100/

[mx428]

Originally posted by hetrick_racing9
u have any example pictures with the 20d and if soo with the lense you mensioned that was best for all around.. cud u please post a picture.. Heres one I took at Lorettas last year.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/Lorettas/ZachAhleen.jpg

And some others from Pagoda and SCCMX

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/Pgoda%209-17-06/Pagoda9-17027.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/Pgoda%209-17-06/Pagoda9-17037.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/Pgoda%209-17-06/jay2.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/SCC%2012-30/ajnew1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/SCC%2012-30/dknew2.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/SCC%2012-30/ocscrubsequence.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/SCC%2012-30/dk328.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/SCC%2012-30/djohns4.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/SCC%2012-30/ajohns4.jpg

[TXATVRIDER]

OMG i need glasses those pictures are so clear. Damn good pictures i must say

[mx428]

Originally posted by TXATVRIDER
OMG i need glasses those pictures are so clear. Damn good pictures i must say Thanks a lot.

[Mc. Muffin]

Nice pics everyone! Maybe one of you can answer my question...
What is an all around better camera, the Nikon D80 or the Canon 20D?
I heard the D80 takes better quality pics but the 20D is faster...
I will take MX and skate park photos with it...

[mx428]

Originally posted by Mc. Muffin
Nice pics everyone! Maybe one of you can answer my question...
What is an all around better camera, the Nikon D80 or the Canon 20D?
I heard the D80 takes better quality pics but the 20D is faster...
I will take MX and skate park photos with it... I'd get a 20/30D. But i also <3 Canon.

[mine]

Originally posted by mx428
I'd get a 20/30D. But i also <3 Canon.

Zach, i gotta talk to you soon about your setup. Those pics are titties.

[hetrick_racing9]

yeah those pics are beautiful.. ill prob be going with that setup... also i still cant figure out what is under that guys foot in the first pic?

[Pappy]

hetrick_racing9-----save the cash and get the D200. they are almost identical and the D200 has a dedicated hotshoe for your flash.

[mx428]

Originally posted by hetrick_racing9
yeah those pics are beautiful.. ill prob be going with that setup... also i still cant figure out what is under that guys foot in the first pic? It's a piece of a Yamaha banner that was laying on the track.

[mx428]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/Mc1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/Mc2.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/Mc3.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/jay6.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/jay5.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/Jay2.jpg

Couples new shots from today.

[mine]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/1.jpg


were deffinetly gonna need the UNCROPPED, full version of this photo. Some information would be nice to. :eek2:

[Mc. Muffin]

Originally posted by Pappy
hetrick_racing9-----save the cash and get the D200. they are almost identical and the D200 has a dedicated hotshoe for your flash.
Pappy is it true that the Nikon D80 is the same camera as the D200 accept the D200 has a metal body/ weather protective?

After some research I finally decided that I'm going to go with the Nikon D80 :p

[Pappy]

the D80 isnt a bad unit, and seeing they up'd the mp it should do fine.

[mx428]

Originally posted by mine
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/1.jpg


were deffinetly gonna need the UNCROPPED, full version of this photo. Some information would be nice to. :eek2: haha by popular demand, here's some more of kate

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/kate1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/kate2.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b137/Alloymx428/kate3.jpg


I've got many more that shall remain un posted........

[whiteboycustom]

i have a sony dslr-a100k, its a great camera but lacks a good lens, thats nothing i cant buy though just havnt came across one i like, and again im not the best i dont understand the lighting and angle and the right zoom to get the best picture

what i do need is a good program on my computer to mess around with the pics anyone have a good one they recommend

[mine]

Originally posted by mx428
I've got many more that shall remain un posted........

Mikeo@websurfer.co.za

:D

[whiteboycustom]

haha good stuff ^^^^^^

whiteboycustom@aol.com


hahaha

[QuadJunkies]

Canon Rebel
2.8 70-200 lens
580Ex flash
12 rechargeable bat that are shared with also my canon Camcorder
I have a few polarizer filters,portrait lense,Tamrac backpack,raingear ect....Too much to list yet not enough :p
I really love my sport lense and I cant wait until I can get a few more.
Pappy, do you have a 400? If so, how do you like it?
I about died when I priced a good one :eek2: :scary:

I have several types of pics here (http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies) this is a sample that I posted in the photography topic.
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/77876606.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/74312063.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/76887267.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/76944849.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/76944853.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/77309705.jpg


Thisis one of my all time favs. from my ole lense I dont use as much.
One of the rare times it got a crisp shot!
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/71819126.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/71235217.jpg

[Pappy]

you want crisp:p

eyeballs and veins:devil:

and no, the 300 2.8 is way more then enough for action, atleast the type i cover


http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g162/400ex127/DSC_2004508.jpg

[QuadJunkies]

I was just inquiring as I seen a few photographers with them and wondered if they were truly worth the price.
That lense I had was my 1st sport lense ,it was rather slow and hard to work with so I was proud of that shot.:D

The only thing I wish I had was a larger body
I was referring to the camera of course :chinese: