By Fenderputty Go To PostThis thread is rad. That blue faces honeyfeather is gorgeous.
Thanks! That was a real bit of luck - they're not slow and not usually all that comfortable with people. But this guy got waterlogged as the fading edge of cyclone debbie passed next to Brisbane and it set up right outside the 1st story window to dry off. There are some more of the same one here - https://flic.kr/s/aHsm9e6QkR
I got real lucky with one again recently, there's one set up at one of the bushcare sites near me with a caved in head and missing an eye it lets you get quite close, I got some shots of it hunting leaf curling spiders. I'd never seen birds engage with them before but the spiders cleverly disguised house is basically the perfect claw sized disposable wrapper once a bird catches on to what's in there.
I don't think I would ever have the patience to bird watch. I just love the results of people who do lol. Anything like that in nature really. Super cool stuff
By Fenderputty Go To PostI don't think I would ever have the patience to bird watch. I just love the results of people who do lol. Anything like that in nature really. Super cool stuff
Nah, me either - I just walk through (there's a decent ~8km circuit that hits up several sites along one of the daylighted creeks here) and shoot what I come across. The guys who set up with a tripod and stake out a bird or termite nest or whatever and wait for birds to come to it - that's not my thing, and I'll never get the shots they get doing that. Although I should say, the real test of patience for me is focus stacking stuff - right now I have 100s of gigs of photos of bees and robberflies and other insects done with the cross polariser setup, but because it takes so long to fine tune them and fix pixel level errors from stacking I tend to put it off. But when those work, they are often worth the time it takes.
The bird ones are usually just hunting through a couple dozen exposures for a few that are clearly the best ones so they get done pretty fast in comparison.
What would guys recommend for a cheap point+shoot that is a step above cell-phone cameras? I want to take pictures of plastic model kits (among other things) and this built-in camera ain't cutting it.
Oh, I should probably give more information for use. I do not need video. I also will not be taking the time to do touch-ups or anything.
I would like for it to also be competent at taking shots with natural lighting, especially at night in the country. If that requires a camera in a whole different price bracket, let me know. There was a moment a couple nights ago that I wanted to catch the moon through the leaves of an old oak tree and my cellphone camera absolutely failed at it.
I would like for it to also be competent at taking shots with natural lighting, especially at night in the country. If that requires a camera in a whole different price bracket, let me know. There was a moment a couple nights ago that I wanted to catch the moon through the leaves of an old oak tree and my cellphone camera absolutely failed at it.
By reilo Go To PostWhat's your budget?Would $200 be enough to get something decent? I would prefer $100 but that probably isn't realistic.
It's been a while since I've even looked at camera gear pricing, but I feel like night time photo places you out of the $200 range. I could be wrong though.
I did the Canon selector thing and it recommended the PowerShot SX620 HS which is $250, which I would be OK with after looking at prices of other cameras on their website. If night time photo capable costs like $400, that's out of my budget.
By Kibner Go To PostI did the Canon selector thing and it recommended the PowerShot SX620 HS which is $250, which I would be OK with after looking at prices of other cameras on their website. If night time photo capable costs like $400, that's out of my budget.
Really depends what you consider to be night time capable. A G9X or RX100 2nd hand on Keh.com might do a bit better for about $300-350 depending on the condition - I'm having trouble finding any low light samples from the SX620, it's allegedly BSI-CMOS, which sounds nice enough for read noise performance, but no RAW format support and no manual shooting mode do not make it sound fun for night time shots.
The other alternative, if you are shooting relatively static subjects, is to combine exposures using median blending. There's a decent guide here -
https://petapixel.com/2013/05/29/a-look-at-reducing-noise-in-photographs-using-median-blending/
You can then run something to denoise/sharpen over it again (eg neat image demo - which will be fine for most web output of such a thing) and you'd only have jpgs to work with anyway from that camera. IIRC around 8-16 exposures tends to be about the sensible limit of this technique, you end up with smaller and smaller gains past that point and a lot longer processing time.
You could even try it with your mobile phone, it will work the same way. The only drawback to doing it is stuff that requires a higher minimum shutter speed - handholding in rough conditions where the focal plane itself might change, wind moving leaves on trees on your night time shot, motion of the moon (surprisingly rapid!) etc.
^ thanks for the tips!
Though it is really, seriously probably too expensive for what I want to spend, it looks like the Nikon D3400 is pretty decent for low-light? That link has it on sale for $400.
Though it is really, seriously probably too expensive for what I want to spend, it looks like the Nikon D3400 is pretty decent for low-light? That link has it on sale for $400.
I could probably get you a D5000 from a friend in California for you for $400 and shipping, with 2 lenses.
By shun Go To PostI could probably get you a D5000 from a friend in California for you for $400 and shipping, with 2 lenses.Sending a PM.
By Bold 2 in One Go To PostWould anyone recommend a Nikon D700 for pictures and film shoots?
I think you have to install custom firmware to shoot video with it? and apparently it's not great at that. But it got quite a following that loves the d700 to this day, for photography. The D3300, D7000 or any of the canon rebel series seems like a better option for a cheap dslr that can do both video and photography
Personally you mind as well just get a D600/610 if you are considering a D700 but don't want to spend for a D750.
For the reasons I mentioned earlier.
For the reasons I mentioned earlier.
By W Go To PostI think you have to install custom firmware to shoot video with it? and apparently it's not great at that. But it got quite a following that loves the d700 to this day, for photography. The D3300, D7000 or any of the canon rebel series seems like a better option for a cheap dslr that can do both video and photography
By shun Go To PostPersonally you mind as well just get a D600/610 if you are considering a D700 but don't want to spend for a D750.
For the reasons I mentioned earlier.
Thanks you guys, I know this is a photography thread, but I did some videography work a while back with a very low-end DSLR (entry-level) stuff and got encouraged by one of the guys on Vimeo who used a D800 I believe to create this.
By Bold 2 in One Go To PostThanks you guys, I know this is a photography thread, but I did some videography work a while back with a very low-end DSLR (entry-level) stuff and got encouraged by one of the guys on Vimeo who used a D800 I believe to create this.
Never did that much filming with my now completely fucking smashed up rebel t2i. But I did do this, on a shrooms come down one night/early summer morning when I couldn't sleep.
I have struggled to make sense of it since.
Actually also kind of looking for a camera right now, borrowing my dads all the time right now to take photos, since mine is all fucked. But not sure how much I want to spend on it yet.
By W Go To PostNever did that much filming with my now completely fucking smashed up rebel t2i. But I did do this, on a shrooms come down one night/early summer morning when I couldn't sleep.
I have struggled to make sense of it since.
Actually also kind of looking for a camera right now, borrowing my dads all the time right now to take photos, since mine is all fucked. But not sure how much I want to spend on it yet.
By Bold 2 in One Go To PostWould anyone recommend a Nikon D700 for pictures and film shoots?how much is the D700?
I have a Lumix G7 and it's amazing for video. costed like 699$
So the G9....
https://www.43rumors.com/ft5-leaked-first-image-new-panasonic-g9-200mm-f2-8-lens/
€2000 :(
Seems broadly competitive with the E-M1-ii (6.5 stop IBIS+OIS, 60fps, 20mp etc) but I have to wonder who's up for a very expensive DFD autofocus camera. Top panel seems weird on a mirrorless camera as well - I always thought the point of this was more for SLRs where you don't need the sensor/screen constantly drawing power to check settings.
And of course, both Olympus and Panasonic continue to keep me out of the upgrade market by giving me pretty much zero upgrade option that lets me keep my nice tilting EVF I have with the VF-4 on my E-P5. And being about 5-6x more money than I paid for it 2014 for any meaningful upgrade of any kind.
https://www.43rumors.com/ft5-leaked-first-image-new-panasonic-g9-200mm-f2-8-lens/
€2000 :(
Seems broadly competitive with the E-M1-ii (6.5 stop IBIS+OIS, 60fps, 20mp etc) but I have to wonder who's up for a very expensive DFD autofocus camera. Top panel seems weird on a mirrorless camera as well - I always thought the point of this was more for SLRs where you don't need the sensor/screen constantly drawing power to check settings.
And of course, both Olympus and Panasonic continue to keep me out of the upgrade market by giving me pretty much zero upgrade option that lets me keep my nice tilting EVF I have with the VF-4 on my E-P5. And being about 5-6x more money than I paid for it 2014 for any meaningful upgrade of any kind.
Is there a guide someone would recommend that teaches how/when to adjust shutter speed, aperture size, and other settings for someone who is going to be using manual mode for the first time ever?
e: or is it just a matter of playing around with all that stuff in different shots to find what is most appealing to me?
e: or is it just a matter of playing around with all that stuff in different shots to find what is most appealing to me?
You're asking about photography fundamentals, but yea, there's plenty of resources!
https://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/the-ultimate-beginners-introduction-to-exposure--photo-3028
Most of all, it's about knowing what your environment is and what you're shooting the shot for. Also, remember that shooting with RAW filetype also let's you change many of these things in post: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/raw-file-format.htm
https://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/the-ultimate-beginners-introduction-to-exposure--photo-3028
Most of all, it's about knowing what your environment is and what you're shooting the shot for. Also, remember that shooting with RAW filetype also let's you change many of these things in post: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/raw-file-format.htm
Excellent. I will be attempting to take some shots of some scenery around where I live this week or weekend. It won't all be flattering images, but I think there are some interesting scenes that I would like to capture.
Modern cameras are nice because they also calculate your white balance for you in real time. Ansel Adams and the photographers of old didn't just have to carry around gear weighing hundreds of pounds, but they needed to use white balance meters and gray cards to get the shot they needed. We truly live in a magical time.
There's even stuff like Cine Meter app to help out: https://www.adamwilt.com/cinemeterii/ <-- I think you'd find that pretty in line with your color correction on television stuff you did.
There's even stuff like Cine Meter app to help out: https://www.adamwilt.com/cinemeterii/ <-- I think you'd find that pretty in line with your color correction on television stuff you did.
I'll take a look at that. If I do get it, it might be a little while as I want to get used to taking pictures with this thing first.
By Kibner Go To PostIs there a guide someone would recommend that teaches how/when to adjust shutter speed, aperture size, and other settings for someone who is going to be using manual mode for the first time ever?
e: or is it just a matter of playing around with all that stuff in different shots to find what is most appealing to me?
Play with it!
I've only had a proper camera for just over 3 years now and by far the biggest accelerations in learning photography happened when a) I got a flash and b) started making diffusers for it out of household items. It sounds such a trite and empty thing to say that photography is all about light, but there is nothing that quite brings this to the forefront like getting a little one you can position and control. It also frees you up to lower iso, increase aperture, decrease exposure duration, in a progressive and controllable way, so the stuff you are trying to learn there can be done and re-done with different settings very easily. Everything you learn while using it teaches you intensely applicable lessons about the sun and reflections and shadows and positioning for almost every other kind of photo you can think of also.
This book is real good -
https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Fourth-Photographs-Camera/dp/1607748509
also:
http://strobist.blogspot.com
Posting so I don't have to look at Slyant's avatar. Sorry mate, but I have trypophobia and your avy is fucking me up.
Got my lens filter/protector in today so I decided to try some outdoor shooting from my yard first. It was getting dark very quickly, and there were different pictures I wanted to take so this was all done in auto instead of manual (booo hissss). I'll try to go back sometime this week or weekend and spend time fiddling around with the settings to get better pictures.
Still, I'm fairly happy with how the first three turned out:
These next four would have definitely been better if I had turned off the flash:
Still, I'm fairly happy with how the first three turned out:
These next four would have definitely been better if I had turned off the flash:
I really like that second to last one.
I'm going shooting downtown this Friday so I'll post some pics this weekend.
I'm going shooting downtown this Friday so I'll post some pics this weekend.
By Perfect Blue Go To PostI really like that second to last one.Can't wait to see them!
I'm going shooting downtown this Friday so I'll post some pics this weekend.
The house in that pic you like is sadly abandoned. There was an elderly couple that used to live there that spoiled me when I went across the yard as a kid to visit. Sadly, they passed well over ten years ago and no one has lived there since. :(
It got flooded during Isaac and the flooding last spring/summer, but no one has come to really check on it. I should probably get the city or something to look at it to make sure it isn't a mold disaster zone.
I don't know why, but these two pictures just make me really, really happy when I look at them:
I really like the way the sunlight plays off this one, what with going through the tree branches and the reflections in the water:
This is what I see when I walk out my front door and look up:
And when I look down:
I really like the way the sunlight plays off this one, what with going through the tree branches and the reflections in the water:
This is what I see when I walk out my front door and look up:
And when I look down:
Getting better Kibner! I suggest you start messing around with color and white balance on your camera.
By reilo Go To PostGetting better Kibner! I suggest you start messing around with color and white balance on your camera.Thanks! I'm still learning the camera controls, so that will come in time. Tomorrow I get to go to my old uni campus for an Advisory Committee thing for the Comp Sci program (no idea how I got invited to this), so I will try to take some time and get pictures of my old stomping ground.
By Perfect Blue Go To PostI’ll post some photos I took today… what do I use to upload? 😅I was using onedrive, marking the file as something that could be shared, and then generating the embed tool for it. Imgur wouldn't accept my images because they were too large.
There has to be a better free solution than my onedrive one, so if anyone knows, please speak up!
Some photos I took on Friday. It was cold af that day. Shot with varying shutter speeds, aperture, and focal length - I'll look for the precise info if anyone wants.
I really like that first pic (just a great framing of the block), the one with the dog (dunno why), and the yellow leaves (the colors and various light levels look fantastic).
By Kibner Go To PostI was using onedrive, marking the file as something that could be shared, and then generating the embed tool for it. Imgur wouldn't accept my images because they were too large.
There has to be a better free solution than my onedrive one, so if anyone knows, please speak up!
Flickr has always been good to use, for me, at least for final output images. I've made special purpose gmail/gdrive accounts for raw/psb files before when that has been necessary (can rapidly get to several gigs). I know other people rate 500px, smugmug & photoshelter out of the 'serious' ones. Anything free has the potential to do a photobucket and suddenly lock everything that was free behind $$$ fees, although I think if flickr were to do that, they probably would have already done it when verizon bought them.
I'll try to get some pictures up within the next couple days (went to the ren fair yesterday) but I just want to say that I was very surprised at how well the D3400 handled a low light situation without flash. There was a little building that showed several different medieval torture devices and there was hardly any light at all. I struggled to see things with my own eyes. I wasn't expecting the picture to show anything at all, but it came out pretty nice, when looking at the capture on the built-in display.
So, yeah, this image was taken in a very dark space. Dark enough that you could hardly see shadows and anything with writing needed a local light in order to be able to read it. Aperture of f/3.5, shutter speed of 1/10s, and ISO of 12,800. e: If I was to take this particular photo again, I would try to make it a bit darker as it loses a lot of the effect looking this bright.
And a couple other interesting ones:
An album with a few pictures I feel didn't come out too bad (it includes some birds of prey from a falconer show): http://img.gg/CYmxrNM The album also includes all the photo setting information.
And a couple other interesting ones:
An album with a few pictures I feel didn't come out too bad (it includes some birds of prey from a falconer show): http://img.gg/CYmxrNM The album also includes all the photo setting information.
By W Go To PostGetting my camera friday. Expect to see some sensational photos of… I dont know, something.looking forward to it!
Since he's a popular kind of bird...
blue faced honeyeater on bottlebrush by PIG, on Flickr
blue faced honeyeater on grevillea by PIG, on Flickr
blue faced honeyeater on bottlebrush by PIG, on Flickr
one eyed blue faced honeyeater hunting leaf curling spiders by PIG, on Flickr
blue faced honeyeater eating leaf curling spiders by PIG, on Flickr
Got a tonne of successful shots of (rare, for here) scaly breasted lorikeets a couple of days ago, with such an embarrassment of good photos just sorting between Good and Really, Really Good took hours. And a bunch of pale headed rosella shots this morning, unfortunately a lot of them didn't come out very well. 1/1600 isn't remotely fast enough, 180mm is a bit short, they only show up at the crack of dawn and bugger off really early into good light. I've seen them there a couple of times before so hopefully I get another go.
pale headed rosella takeoff by PIG, on Flickr
blue faced honeyeater on bottlebrush by PIG, on Flickr
blue faced honeyeater on grevillea by PIG, on Flickr
blue faced honeyeater on bottlebrush by PIG, on Flickr
one eyed blue faced honeyeater hunting leaf curling spiders by PIG, on Flickr
blue faced honeyeater eating leaf curling spiders by PIG, on Flickr
Got a tonne of successful shots of (rare, for here) scaly breasted lorikeets a couple of days ago, with such an embarrassment of good photos just sorting between Good and Really, Really Good took hours. And a bunch of pale headed rosella shots this morning, unfortunately a lot of them didn't come out very well. 1/1600 isn't remotely fast enough, 180mm is a bit short, they only show up at the crack of dawn and bugger off really early into good light. I've seen them there a couple of times before so hopefully I get another go.
pale headed rosella takeoff by PIG, on Flickr