My PSA on Canon cameras :)

[g8rbeckie]

Rachelle (Jaylen's mom) has a thread now about her poor camera dying...:(

But I wanted to just get this out there, I do have the 7D and I LOVE it...but I've also held and shot with the t2i, which costs a bit less. I just wanted to share this review with everyone. Google "t2i review" and you'll find many more.


Read the whole review (http://gizmodo.com/5541310/canonebel-t2ieview-this-should-be-your-first-dslr)
"The $900 T2i is essentially Canon's midange $1900 7D, one of the best DSLRs for the money, shoved into a simpler, smaller body. Namely, it uses an 18-megapixel APS-C image sensor that's not too different from the 7D's; the same 1080p/full manual video capabilities; and the same IFCL 63-layer dual-zone metering system, adjusted for the T2i's different autofocus setup."

(note - the prices here aren't exactly current - both cameras cost less than the quoted prices here in USD!).

I just didn't want anyone needlessly lusting after the 7D when the t2i is so freakin' awesome. Also, the 7D is HUGE and HEAVY. For moms on the go like most of us, the smaller body of the t2i is really important!

anyhow, I just felt compelled to share :) I spend a lot of time on photography stuff, LOL!

[heathergw]

this is great Beckie! I try to tell people that too... as much as I lust for the bigger and better camera body... I remind myself that it's best to invest in better glass and that for the mamarazzi, most are happier with the smaller camera body with less bells and whistles and like you said, much lighter and less bulky...

though and a big though, I'd definitely say differently for those that want to go professional.

[CA Dreamer]

Thanks! Good to know!

I also want to add that when using your DSLR for video, that you should take into account how heavy the camera will be(with lens) as you will be holding it up for longer periods of time than when shooting stills.

[g8rbeckie]

YES, I should have put that in there Heather! spend the difference on a GOOD LENS! I know everyone has their personal preferences, and each lens has a different use situation, but here are my faves!

* 50 mm 1.8 (great for starting out - but if you have the cash, go straight to the 50mm 1.4!)
* 30mm 1.4 (better for indoors/close quarters than the 50mm)
* 85mm 1.8 (so, so, so awesome. this is such a sharp lens! BUT...on our consumer end cameras, this one is "tight", which means unless you're 10-15 feet away from your subject, you'll only get a headshot/uper torso).

And frankly, even if someone is hoping to "go pro" at some point, this would still be a good starter camera. Pros will eventually go for a full frame model, and I think either the 7D or the t2i would be good back-ups :)

[g8rbeckie]

Thanks! Good to know!

I also want to add that when using your DSLR for video, that you should take into account how heavy the camera will be(with lens) as you will be holding it up for longer periods of time than when shooting stills.

Yeah, I RARELY use the video on my camera. The video files are HUGE!! The quality is great, but I just haven't taken the time to learn how to use it all right, LOL! But definitely plan to have a TON of memory if you plan to do video! :p

[MamaBee]

I know you ladies love your primes... however for those of us that are still in mamarazzi mode... any good recommendations on zoom lens for lower light needs? is there such a thing? :o

[CA Dreamer]

I know you ladies love your primes... however for those of us that are still in mamarazzi mode... any good recommendations on zoom lens for lower light needs? is there such a thing? :o

I am interested to know this too! I almost always keep my 18-200 on my camera. Have not been able to fill that low light need either. I have just been adjusting ISO.

[heathergw]

something with a 2.8 fixed aperture... I used to have the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 and LOVED it!

[*Celeste*]

i'm lusting after that 30mm 1.4. I should really just buy it.
or better yet...
Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM

[ColleenSwerb]

I know you ladies love your primes... however for those of us that are still in mamarazzi mode... any good recommendations on zoom lens for lower light needs? is there such a thing? :o

They definitely exist, they are just SUPER expensive.
I highly recommend the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 though. It's not as great as a prime at f/1.8, but it's better than a variable aperture zoom (like most zooms are).
If you don't want to go that route, I recommend sticking with the glass you've got, whatever that may be, and investing in an external flash that you can move the head to bounce off the ceiling. You get the light you need, but it's not the harsh flash light of the internal flash.

[g8rbeckie]

Yep, what they said on the zoom thing!

I rented a Canon 24-70mm f2.8L lens over Thanksgiving and I can't stop thinking about it! :) If I had it, I would probably never take it off my camera. But I've seen many folks talking about the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, which is under$400. (the canon L lens is about $1300) and they rave about it, just like Colleen said!

Seriously though, I find that as long as I put on the right lens for the event/situation, I don't NEED the zoom. I use my 30mm if I'm indoors or at a group event. For pics of my kiddos just playing around, I use either my 50 or my 85.

DO NOT buy any other zoom lens thinking you'll have gorgeous shots at all ranges of the lens; the "cheap" (a.k.a "affordable"!) versions of those lenses don't allow you to use the wide open aperture at the full range of the lens, which means you'll likely still have lighting challenges unless you're always shooting outdoors. Unless you go with the Tamron or the Canon L version, I'd recommend just sticking with primes!

[Nettio]

i'm lusting after that 30mm 1.4. I should really just buy it.
or better yet...
Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM

Personally I'd go with the Sigma over the Canon. But I :wub: by Sigma.

They definitely exist, they are just SUPER expensive.
I highly recommend the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 though. It's not as great as a prime at f/1.8, but it's better than a variable aperture zoom (like most zooms are).
If you don't want to go that route, I recommend sticking with the glass you've got, whatever that may be, and investing in an external flash that you can move the head to bounce off the ceiling. You get the light you need, but it's not the harsh flash light of the internal flash.

I agree with Col. The best you're going to get with a zoom lens is a 2.8 and a high quality 2.8 zoom isn't going to be cheap.

If low-light is your main issue, I think you'd be better off at least considering a prime lens because I'm not sure 2.8 would even really be fast enough indoors - or whether it would make a big enough difference to be worth the cost of a new lens. Shooting with a prime lens IS different but I really think if you choose one with a focal length that fits best with your shooting style, it can be a lot more versatile than you might think. And hey, zooming in and out with your feet can be great exercise. :D

[jaylensmom]

Thanks for the PSA Beckie...My mind was set on the 7d because I've wanted to upgrade but you give me something to think about...especially since I need to get a camera before Christmas...

[ColleenSwerb]

I can speak from experience. My Tamron 28-75 is rarely off my camera, and the 2.8 is not enough in low light. Lol! But I have an external flash, so I just use that.

[g8rbeckie]

Col, what camera do you have? and what ISOs do you use?

I need to do a test to print some photos out to know the point at which ISO noise becomes visible...I haven't done that yet. So I get so stressed out in those "do i use ISO1000 or my speedlite???" situation! Well, plus I'm horrible with my speedlite (i haven't learned how to do flash photography yet)!

But honestly, I rarely go below 2.8 or so, even in low light, because its VERY hard to get great focus below 2.8 - especially if your subjects move around. which mine do, LOL!

[ColleenSwerb]

I have a Nikon D80 (possibly upgrading to the D7000 soon!).
Woman, get the manual out and learn your speedlite! It's EASY! I literally just plug my into the hotshoe, and go. Done, and done. I keep the flash head pointed straight up, and I'm good to go.

I tend to forget about my ISO, because if I change it once, I never remember to change it back, and then I'm outside shooting at ISO 1200 or something stupid, lol. So my solution is to just stick the speedlight on and go. I'm pretty sure I have my ISO set to 100 usually.

ETA: I'm afraid of noise too, lol. I should just make some test prints, but I'm lazy. So for now, this is what I do, lol.

[heathergw]

I can speak from experience. My Tamron 28-75 is rarely off my camera, and the 2.8 is not enough in low light. Lol! But I have an external flash, so I just use that.

yeah, I was just going to say that I usually have my 50mm 1.4 set to 2.8 most of the time and I have to use an external flash indoors... and even at 1.4 I still need to use a flash sometimes, but that's because I don't like changing my ISO. It's also why I sometimes make my kids play in the dining room by the sliding glass doors, tee hee, because I just don't get enough light in the play area. Also, 1.4 has a super shallow depth of field which is another reason I rarely shoot that wide open but I like having that option to go wider for more of the posed shots verses the in action snap shots.

The only time I wish that I had a zoom lens is when I'm shooting from above... because I can't exactly walk up the walls of my house, lol... though I have been known to climb up on a counter top to get the shot, lol.

[Traci Reed]

I <3 my 7D and would never go back to anything smaller...

that is all :)

[heathergw]

Thanks for the PSA Beckie...My mind was set on the 7d because I've wanted to upgrade but you give me something to think about...especially since I need to get a camera before Christmas...

I still think it depends on what your plans are for the future, upgrading is totally different than just replacing an old camera... I'd totally rent the 7D like Lynnette suggested.

[jannylynn]

This is good information! My T1i is being repaired right now. Hopefully under warranty because I didn't do anything to it. But if I have to buy a replacement, I'll go for T2i. :)

[nun69]

I have the T1i and LOVE it, but I am eventually going to upgrade and I rented the Canon 28-7 and LOVED how my pictures turned out...would love to be able to purchase that lens, but may be awhile :) Maybe I'll start putting my external flash on and use it!:p

[sprauncey1]

Sigh! I have had a friend here bug me about camera stuff (I love talking cameras though) and she is bound and determined to get a 7d (she likes the way it feels). But even though I keep telling her to put the money in the lens, I just KNOW she is going to go with the kit lens. Seriously, spend all that money and then put the crappy glass (ok not crappy but still for the $$ spent) and expect gorgeous photos. I've told her, and her friend that is a professional has told her to get the Tamron 2.8 and yet I know she is going to get the kit. Sigh.

I have a Nikon d90 with my Nikon 17-55mm 2.8 which I LOVE!! I have never had good luck with my 50mm 1.8 getting consistent focus (probably because I had it set at 1.8, which I have learned they do not do well at) so I just use my 17-55mm one 90% of the time.

Today I wanted to use my Speedlight and Lightsphere at school for the photos in class, but alas the batteries were dead (and the batteries I thought were for replacements were already used and drained.) So I had to up my ISO. I used ISO 1000 to get the histogram to look good, so we'll see. I've read that it is better to up the ISO and get grain, than to underexpose and then brighten later for noise. I should do a test chart like Becky said, but in my case, I really had no choice due to stupid batteries!!!

[lovely1m]

I lurve my Canons! I have the low end one, XTi, but its fabulous. I also just got a new Canon P&S this week! Its the PowerShot SD1300 IS and I really love this one, too!

[g8rbeckie]

Woman, get the manual out and learn your speedlite! It's EASY! I literally just plug my into the hotshoe, and go. Done, and done. I keep the flash head pointed straight up, and I'm good to go.

I do THAT, LOL! but I also read that you can use your flash for "fill flash", where you make it less bright and use it just to fill in to eliminate shadowy faces (if the primary lighting is coming from the ceiling, for example). I want to learn that! I did put a cool light diffuser thingy (the highly technical term, LOL!) for my speedlite on my Christmas list :)

And some friends had me take pics for them, and their living room was HUGE so there was no place for me to bounce the flash. I had to have it on them more directly and I got shadows :( So I want to learn it a bit better!

[Traci Reed]

speaking of the T2i (http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/43720)

[nesser1981]

I've had 2 rebels now and I loved them both, but when I upgrade again it'll be to the 7d because of the ISO range. They just came out the with new 60d and I was considering that, but the ISO range isn't high as I'd like and since I'll be using it for my biz, I have to go the high ISO range.

As for the 24-70mm 2.8L I have it and love it, but its surprisingly not as sharp as my 85mm 1.8 and I think that's mainly because of how heavy the lens is. I owned the Sigma 30mm 1.4 and oh I loved it, only reason I got rid of it was because I got the 24-70.

And a Speedlight, has honestly changed my photo taking life. I don't try to make my inside pics of the kids perfect, I don't really worry about that much, but using a speedlight, bouncing it and shooting in Raw make such a difference.

[heathergw]

And some friends had me take pics for them, and their living room was HUGE so there was no place for me to bounce the flash. I had to have it on them more directly and I got shadows :( So I want to learn it a bit better!

can I ask why you couldn't bounce it off the ceiling? Even with our vaulted ceilings I can still get a good bounce, I just have to bounce at an angle instead of straight up and down.

Also, you can use a diffuser... in fact I highly recommend them when using the external flash... a sto-fen is only like $10.

and yes, like Col said read the manual... and practice, I found hands on practice really helps to get to know it... I rarely take my external flash off the camera because I use it a lot for fill flash, especially on really sunny days.

[profiler_mar]

I agree with Col and Heather about the flash, I loooove my speedlite! And my T1i is my best friend. <3

[g8rbeckie]

can I ask why you couldn't bounce it off the ceiling? Even with our vaulted ceilings I can still get a good bounce, I just have to bounce at an angle instead of straight up and down.

Also, you can use a diffuser... in fact I highly recommend them when using the external flash... a sto-fen is only like $10.

their living room had TWO story ceilings! (so you could see from the second story down to the first). But yeah, in my own house, I bounce the flash all the time and the results are just awesome!!

I have a diffuser on my Christmas wish list :)

[heathergw]

that makes total sense Beckie... you could also get a reflector and put it behind you and bounce off that... that's actually something I have on my Christmas list because my walls aren't white and I actually prefer to bounce off walls behind me to get nice catchlights.

[g8rbeckie]

I've had 2 rebels now and I loved them both, but when I upgrade again it'll be to the 7d because of the ISO range. They just came out the with new 60d and I was considering that, but the ISO range isn't high as I'd like and since I'll be using it for my biz, I have to go the high ISO range.


I truthfully do not understand the intended positioning of the 60D in the Canon produce line. It makes no sense to me :( And re: ISO, yeah, that's the one thing I wasn't sure about between the t2i and the 7D. But still the 7D ISO handing is nowhere near as good as a full frame. Of course, that's a much more significant upgrade cost!


As for the 24-70mm 2.8L I have it and love it, but its surprisingly not as sharp as my 85mm 1.8 and I think that's mainly because of how heavy the lens is. I owned the Sigma 30mm 1.4 and oh I loved it, only reason I got rid of it was because I got the 24-70.

man - that lens is soooooo heavy! But I got such a wider variety of photos each time I had my camera out that I really, really want it. Usually with my primes I get stuck in a rut because I'm too lazy to move my feet and get farther back for more full body shots, etc.

[ColleenSwerb]

RE: Fill Light, doesn't your flash have a few buttons on it? If I want less flash, I just push the "-" button and it puts out less power.

Of course, I have no idea if that's the "proper" way to do it, because I actually haven't read my manual all the way through, but it makes sense to me, lol.
I must have ordered a diffuser when I bought the flash, because I don't ever remember using it without it on, lol.

My only issue is trying to use it when I take vertical shots. I get wonky shadows. So I just shoot landscape and crop. I should really take my own advise and get that manual out.....

[nesser1981]

If you get Lightroom 3, the difference you can do with noise is AMAZING! With my XSI I think the highest ISO I would shoot at was 400, now with LR3 I'll do 800, and can get almost all the noise out and make it look nice.

I'd love a full-frame, but that's years down the line for me I'm assuming. :)

I truthfully do not understand the intended positioning of the 60D in the Canon produce line. It makes no sense to me :( And re: ISO, yeah, that's the one thing I wasn't sure about between the t2i and the 7D. But still the 7D ISO handing is nowhere near as good as a full frame. Of course, that's a much more significant upgrade cost!



man - that lens is soooooo heavy! But I got such a wider variety of photos each time I had my camera out that I really, really want it. Usually with my primes I get stuck in a rut because I'm too lazy to move my feet and get farther back for more full body shots, etc.

[MamaBee]

Thanks for the info... so re: speedlit... I looked at amazon and am confused... not sure what I'm looking at. I have a canon rebel xs eos... recommendations, things I should be looking for in one?

oy, I need to take a class somewhere, or if I ever get back to see Heather and I can twist her arm with Starbucks to give me a crash course... ;)

[nesser1981]

Thanks for the info... so re: speedlit... I looked at amazon and am confused... not sure what I'm looking at. I have a canon rebel xs eos... recommendations, things I should be looking for in one?

oy, I need to take a class somewhere, or if I ever get back to see Heather and I can twist her arm with Starbucks to give me a crash course... ;)

I have the canon 430EXII
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-II-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001CCAISE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292692773&sr=8-1

The other one is the 580 and its almost $200 more.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-580EX-Digital-Cameras/dp/B000NP3DJW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1292692773&sr=8-2

Either of them will work with your camera.

[nun69]

I have the canon 430EXII
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-II-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001CCAISE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292692773&sr=8-1



this is what I have and I NEVER have it on my camera....I guess I should get it out and figure out how to use it!

[MamaBee]

THANK YOU!!! I've added it to my Amazon wish list... now if there was only a gift giving holiday in January.... :unsure:

[nesser1981]

this is what I have and I NEVER have it on my camera....I guess I should get it out and figure out how to use it!

I use mine the auto mode. I've started trying the manual mode a little bit and I've had mine for a year now.

Just put it on, and aim it toward the celing or one of the side walls to bounce it. I use mine on like ISO 400, SS 60 or so and ff 4.5, we still have kind of crapping lighting in our house and I like to leave the curtains closed. LOL! And that gives me pretty good light. I don't always have to set my camera like that when I'm using it, but that usually gives me the best results.

[g8rbeckie]

that makes total sense Beckie... you could also get a reflector and put it behind you and bounce off that... that's actually something I have on my Christmas list because my walls aren't white and I actually prefer to bounce off walls behind me to get nice catchlights.

ooh! wow, I have a reflector already (i LOVE IT and use it all the time outside) - but never thought about bouncing the flash off the reflector!! great suggestion!

[g8rbeckie]

If you get Lightroom 3, the difference you can do with noise is AMAZING! With my XSI I think the highest ISO I would shoot at was 400, now with LR3 I'll do 800, and can get almost all the noise out and make it look nice.

I'd love a full-frame, but that's years down the line for me I'm assuming. :)

You know what?? once i start that grad school program this spring I'm getting LR3! I know it doesn't cost that much, but I'll feel less guilty buying it for myself if I get it with a student discount, LOL!

I used to have LR2 and really loved the workflow I could utilize in LR (to upload, tag, sort/delete, and basic adjustments). I've been using Bridge (free w/photoshop) but I just don't LOVE it. I don't know if I'll ever be a full on LR user (as in full photo edits in LR) because I'm so comfortable with photoshop and using levels and masking...but I'd love to have it again for workflow alone!

Oh, and on my 7D - I regularly go up to ISO1000 right now and the noise is minimal! One early mistake I made was to underexpose, which exaggerated the noise problem. So as long as I up the ISO enough to have a properly exposed shot, the noise is minimal (and that's just using basic noise reduction in ACR!).

[nun69]

I sooooo want a 7D and LR3...maybe I will treat myself when we get our taxes back :) I'll hve to try that Vanessa with my speedlite...what lens do you normally have on?

[nesser1981]

I sooooo want a 7D and LR3...maybe I will treat myself when we get our taxes back :) I'll hve to try that Vanessa with my speedlite...what lens do you normally have on?

I keep my 24-70mm 2.8L on my camera all the time.

[nesser1981]

Yeah, I got it with my student discount. $89.

You know what?? once i start that grad school program this spring I'm getting LR3! I know it doesn't cost that much, but I'll feel less guilty buying it for myself if I get it with a student discount, LOL!

I used to have LR2 and really loved the workflow I could utilize in LR (to upload, tag, sort/delete, and basic adjustments). I've been using Bridge (free w/photoshop) but I just don't LOVE it. I don't know if I'll ever be a full on LR user (as in full photo edits in LR) because I'm so comfortable with photoshop and using levels and masking...but I'd love to have it again for workflow alone!

Oh, and on my 7D - I regularly go up to ISO1000 right now and the noise is minimal! One early mistake I made was to underexpose, which exaggerated the noise problem. So as long as I up the ISO enough to have a properly exposed shot, the noise is minimal (and that's just using basic noise reduction in ACR!).

[nun69]

I keep my 24-70mm 2.8L on my camera all the time.

Vanessa....where did you get it and if you don't mind, how much was it?

[Ginger_79]

I should not read threads like this one. I JUST ordered a camera backpack yesterday and have tried to ignore the fact that sooner or later I will need to start thinking about a flash. You are all evil! Period.

[nesser1981]

Vanessa....where did you get it and if you don't mind, how much was it?

I got it at B&H it was like $1360 or something when I got it and I got a protective filter for it. So like $1400. I just looked and B&H has it for $1300.

[nun69]

thanks Vanessa :)