I got me a DSLR Camera..That's RIGHT!!

[calvin_orchidL]

Originally Posted by ChasWG

It looks like you're having fun with your camera! And that's what it's suppose to do, give enjoyment.

I bought a new camera a couple weeks ago too. I had to update my old Canon digital Rebel something fearce. It was starting to have issues. So I got a new (not the latest version) Canon 40D. Combined with my 70-200 f/4 L lense I'm having so much fun taking pictures again. This camera is really fast and accurate. It takes wonderful pictures. I love.

I hope you continue to love your camera too!

I am so jealous of all of you!! I have 4 more months...then it's christmas and I can buy a DSLR for myself as well!

Chas - you just updated from a canon rebel?? That's the one I was thinking of buying! The 40D is out of my range, I think, especially for a beginner like me

Do either of you have recommendations for good macro lenses for orchids? That's my main objective although I want to take some landscapey stuff too.

[Grandma M]

Amanda, your pictures are so sharp and clear you make me want to head out this morning and buy a new camera.

OOPS, property taxes are almost due.

Marilyn

[peeweelovesbooks]

Nice! I want my own dslr. I use my sister's semi-professional one, and I want one for myself.

Beautiful pics though. Thank you for sharing.

[IraGlacialis]

Congrats on the new camera. You will find that once getting a DSLR, whole opportunities will be opened up to you. It already looks like you are getting the hang of it.
Word of advice if you are learning the ropes: Don't shoot in auto or any of the pre-sets. Either start on aperture or shutter priority (probably aperture priority). It won't be long before you will be going all out on manual.
Happy shooting.

I really need to upgrade my camera. Two years later, and my 400D is showing a lot of wear and tear; it has been through a lot. That and it is no longer sufficient for what I do. Thinking of probably getting the 50D.

[Amanda L]

I love messing with the Aperture and shutter settings. That's really how I started out. I really only use the auto setting when I'm feeling lazy, or the action setting when I want to get a fast succession of pictures. The shutter speed is much faster with action, I can hold the button down and it will take pictures until I take my finger off.

I'm still feeling out the Macro/Fisheye lens attachment. It was really the only option for me since I can't afford a good macro lens, yet. So far I'm loving some of the pictures that come out with it. It adds something different to the pictures. Very Cool.

My husband is only slightly impressed with some of the pictures that come out. He says he knows I can do better. I had a FujiFilm Finepix 35mm before and knew that camera backwards and forwards. I knew it's limitations and made them work for me. I told him I still have to play with this one, until I know it like I did the Finepix. It will take some time, but I'm sure I will be a pro with the DLSR before long. There is so much more to learn with it and so many more opportunities that I still need to discover. I'm excited!

[Des]

That is just not fair I would give a lot for one of those ,but the prices here in SA are beyond my pension

[IraGlacialis]

Originally Posted by Amanda L

I love messing with the Aperture and shutter settings. That's really how I started out. I really only use the auto setting when I'm feeling lazy, or the action setting when I want to get a fast succession of pictures. The shutter speed is much faster with action, I can hold the button down and it will take pictures until I take my finger off.

When you progress, you'll find that even laziness will be no match for the awesomeness of the manual setting.
It has gotten to the point that I almost unconsciously twiddle at the exposure, aperture, and ISO settings when getting a pic, even for pretty mundane ones such as my friends fooling around in our dorm.

You don't have a drive function on manual?

[ChasWG]

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

I am so jealous of all of you!! I have 4 more months...then it's christmas and I can buy a DSLR for myself as well!

Chas - you just updated from a canon rebel?? That's the one I was thinking of buying! The 40D is out of my range, I think, especially for a beginner like me

Do either of you have recommendations for good macro lenses for orchids? That's my main objective although I want to take some landscapey stuff too.

Calvin, The Rebel I upgraded from was the original Digital Rebel, about 6 or 7 years old. Compaired to the 40D, it's like day and night. The auto focus is so freaking accurate and fast, it's amazing. My son is now playing football and I've been having fun testing the camera with moving objects. I love landscape and still life (orchids) photography, but I also love action/sports photography and theis new camera is way up to the task.

The current generation of Rebels are very nice cameras as well. I was looking at getting the XSi, but it uses SD memory cards and I have a large investment in CF cards, so I went with the 40D. As for a nice macro lense, Canon makes a f/2.8 100mm macro lense that is resonably priced and a nice lense. If you want to spend less, then look at the f/2.8 50mm macro lense and a number 12 extension tube. That combo will give you a lot of range and flexability.

[bonsai1504]

I had the Rebel Xs and just upgraded to a 5d Mk II. The 100mm macro is a nice lens. I have found that my 70-200mm f/2.8 is the one i use most, followed by the 16-35.