Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with dslr and photos

EASY secrets of taking great photos

JensR — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:31:34 -0800

What are your favourite photographer's tricks that an amateur could use to create stunning photos on a hobbyist budget? As a hobbyist DSLR photographer, I find that once in a while, I stumble across some simple little trick-of-the-trade that instantly makes my photos much better... and it is these little "Wow!" moments that keep me motivated to keep shooting and learning.

I am not talking about expensive studio rigs here, or vague lifelong lessons ("learn about composition and color theory", "know your camera"). I am specifically talking about the low-hanging fruit that a low-budget amateur photographer like me could apply and see an instant difference.

If there are any photographers out there who have experienced the same kind of "Wow!" moment after trying out some new technique or equipment, please share your best suggestions in this thread.

Best low-light lens for Nikon D80?

bollockovnikov — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:03:51 -0800

I am looking for a lens for my Nikon D80 that works well in low-light conditions. Something relatively compact and not too expensive would be best. I already own a 18-200mm VR lens, which is OK in low light, but not very compact.

I would obviously like my new lens to be useful in a range of situations, but I am more interested in the portrait to 10 metres range.

I do not own a flash unit and don't intend to buy one.

Thanks

Guides/tricks for my new DSLR?

meerkatty — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:55:24 -0800

Please help me use my new DSLR camera. Are there guides/tricks for specific cameras online? I took a course today on how to use my new Canon Rebel xti, which came with a handy password protected guide online. (The guide was far superior to the camera manual - with explanations of when and why you would use a certain function, complete with photo examples.) The course was a little basic for my needs but I can't take the more advanced part of the course for a few months. Are there guides along these lines available online?

Big bonus points for anyone who has the password for Henry's School of Imaging Canon xti Part 2 guide.

Best every day dSLR lens and accessories?

geeky — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 07:13:26 -0800

This is a two part question: Which every day lens should I buy for my dSLR, and what other camera accessories should I get? There is I'm going to buy my first dSLR in the next few months. It will definitely be a Canon, mostly likely the 20d. I'm pretty sure I don't want the kit lens, though I'm not sure what to get instead. I'll end up with a variety of lenses eventually, but for now I just want a good every day lens to get me started. Money is not an issue so much as quality. I've been considering the Canon EF-S 17-85mm w/IS. Opinions? Suggestions? Bonus points for example photos. (Yes, I've seen the other related AskMe questions.)

See Flickr for an idea of the kinds of photos I like to take.

And for part two, what other acccessories do I need for my new camera? I will probably get an extra battery and some sort of case, but what else do I need to get me started? Flash, filters, cleaning equipment?

GPS ready Digital SLR Cameras

0bvious — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 23:16:52 -0800

GPS ready Digital SLRs : What are the best available? Coming soon? Am I better waiting until the industry catches up? I've been eyeing up digital SLRs for a while now (my past askmefi question), and have decided a GPS ready one would really hot things up.

(For those who don't know, Geo Positioning System (GPS)cameras will stamp every photo with your exact location on planet earth as it's taken.)

What's your opinions on this tech? Worth waiting until the next camera season?

Thanks