topic Re: Camera/Lens in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Camera/Lens

KPacheco40 — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 10:52:07 GMT

Which is the best camera for me to get started with as a travel writer / travel photographer? I'm thinking a Canon Rebel?

And which lenses would I use with that?

Re: Camera/Lens

Skirball — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 15:35:27 GMT

This is a very general question. There are no best cameras or best lenses, it depends on your needs and uses. Many people, as travelers, would put size as one of their primary concerns and are plenty happy with a good point and shoot or hybrid. Others want SLR. As technology evolves, the gap between the two is closing.

SLRs offer interchangeable lenses, so you can get the best lens for a situation. They also offer superior autofocus systems that are capable of tracking moving subjects. They also allow rapid firing of photos, though this attribute is now often found on higher end point and shoots – heh, and iPhones.

There’s no question that SLRs can offer more professional results (in situations), but people misinterpret that to mean that they are uncompromisingly better for all situations. If you’re taking pictures of landscapes in decent light, the SLR offers very little advantage. In fact, if your subject isn’t moving the difference isn’t great with these exceptions: low light (SLR is always better), portrait photography (though if the point and shoot allows external lighting you could do just fine). There’s other specialty types of photography, such as macro, where an SLR excels because you can get special equipment for that niche. And for fast moving subjects (e.g. Sports), there’s no question that SLRs dominate the competition.

But people get SLRs expecting that it will simply make their photography better. Then they go out and shoot landscapes or something and wonder why the results aren’t any better than their point and shoot – or even worse than their friends point and shoot, who actually knows how to use his camera. People also get SLRs and then want one super lens because they don’t want to deal witch changing lenses all the time. You’re giving up one of the fundamental advantages of an SLR. If you’re going to do that you might as well get a hybrid.

So long story short, it depends. If you do decide that you want an SLR, and you want Canon, then yes, the Rebel is a fine camera to learn about SLRs. With good glass it can produce images just as good as the really expensive cameras. As to which lens, start with the kit lens(es), learn how to use the camera, then grow from there.

Re: Camera/Lens

ebiggs1 — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 01:16:09 GMT

Short quick answer, the Canon Rebel T5i with kit lens. It is a great learning tool.

"... it can produce images just as good as the really expensive cameras ..." Right! oh, boy.

Re: Camera/Lens

Skirball — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 16:51:54 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
"... it can produce images just as good as the really expensive cameras ..." Right! oh, boy.

By all means Biggs, keep on focusing on the things you can't do with your equipment and dreaming of the next upgrade, I'm going to keep on focusing on what I can do with the equipment that I own. They are just tools; I’m the photographer, and I ultimately dictate what the final image looks like. I’m cognizant of their limitations, but I find I’m more often admiring what I am able to do with them, rather than disappointed in what I am not.

Re: Camera/Lens

ebiggs1 — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 18:56:18 GMT

"... and dreaming of the next upgrade ..."

I hardly think a guy shooting with a 1D Mk III is fixated on the next "upgrade". But then I don't feel the need to rag on other people comments either.